AFL greats shocked after Patrick Dangerfield banned from match for dangerous tackling

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield has been suspended for dangerous tackling in a decision that shocked the AFL world.

Dangerfield was hit with a one-match suspension for his tackle on Sam Walsh in the opening minute of Friday night’s loss to Carlton.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Dangerfield in hot water for a dangerous tackle.

Get the latest news with the 7NEWS app: download it today

The Cats skipper pinned both of Walsh’s arms and the momentum carried the Blue’s head into the ground.

Walsh was able to take his kick and was not assessed for a hit to the head, but the match review officer assessed the incident as medium impact, high contact and reckless.

Geelong has until Monday to contest the charge but is expected to take it to court in a bid to free its captain for next week’s clash against Essendon.

The incident immediately divided the AFL, with many experts believing Dangerfield had no case to answer.

Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley said Dangerfield did his best to limit any potential damage to Butters.

“Keep an eye on Dangerfield and tell me what more he could do.” Tries to stop the momentum of both, stands tall and has one leg under Walsh as they both go, inexorably, to the ground. Walsh’s head makes eye contact with the ground to no effect. Isn’t that a duty of care? He tweeted.

Four-time prime minister Hawk and Channel 7 commentator Luke Hodge agreed.

“If he gets suspended for that I’ll be shocked… I don’t think it’s a dangerous act on Dangerfield’s part,” Hodge said on SEN before the AFL verdict.

Coach Chris Scott wasn’t expecting a ban when he spoke after the game.

“Pat didn’t throw it, he was holding one arm and with that kind of momentum you’re both going to fall into the ground,” Scott said.

It was Dangerfield’s first game since Geelong beat Carlton by 13 points in round eight, with the midfielder sidelined by another hamstring problem.

Geelong has lost six of its last seven games for an 8-6 record

“We were just outplayed…we realized for a little while that we had some holes and we had some problems,” Scott said.

“They did everything well. It’s as good as I’ve seen a team play against us in a long time.

“I still think our best is pretty good. We just have a few holes, and we feel like we need to be a little creative at the moment in how we proceed after filling those holes.

“We had a bad night against a good team, but we’re still optimistic about what we can do.”

Scott also praised the play of defender Tom Stewart, saying he was one of the Cats’ best players.

Stewart had to deal with a defensive attack from Alex Cincotta, who scored two goals.

“The opposition will have to worry about Tom, every game he plays,” Scott said of the Geelong star.

– With PAA

LEARN MORE