St. Kilda Football has suspended him.
Jack Higgins, the team’s top goalkicker, received a citation for aggressive behavior on Port Adelaide’s Aliir Aliir. St Kilda will contest Higgins’ three-game suspension before the AL Tribunal.
Following the Power’s 10-point victory at Adelaide Oval, the AFL Match Review Officer’s findings were made public on Saturday afternoon. No additional charges were brought against the team.
The Sporting News has all the most recent information, as the AFL Tribunal hearing is anticipated to take place on Tuesday night.
MORE: An explanation of the AFL Match Review and Tribunal How charge grading operates
Watch the tackle on Aliir Aliir by Jack Higgins.
Higgins was charged with careless conduct, harsh impact, and high contact, all of which carries a three-match automatic suspension.
Higgins tried to tackle Aliir late in the second quarter as the Power defender sought to fight his a path through the strain.
The Port player attempted to kick the ball as Higgins fell to the ground, wrapping his arms around Aliir, but he struck the ground head-first.
When the Port Adelaide player struck the floor, Higgins’ arms were still around him, one restraining the defender’s left arm and the other circling Aliir’s waist slightly.
Due to his tackle on Aliir Aliir, Jack Higgins will miss three games.
Aliir was eventually ruled out of the remainder of the game due to a concussion injury after leaving the field for a concussion test following the incident.
Will St Kilda contest Higgins’ AFL Tribunal suspension?
St Kilda has declared that they would contest Higgins’ suspension at the AFL Tribunal.
This season, the Saints have already challenged one suspension at the AFL Tribunal. They were unable to prevent Max King from missing one game following Round 2.
The fact that a number of football experts disagree on whether Higgins should receive a suspension will probably boost the Saints’ confidence as they contest the accusation.
On Fox Footy, Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis said:
“I feel bad for Higgins; if Aliir knows he’s being attacked and chooses not to try to kick the ball, then there’s probably not much of a case to be made.
“I believe that by attempting to get rid of the ball, Aliir contributes 50% of the force that goes to the ground.”
“This will be an interesting result, an interesting challenge for,” stated Gerard Healy. the MRO because Aliir uses his kick to help himself get some momentum, so there are two joined forces.
“It’s unclear if Higgins is in trouble or not.”
With Jimmy Webster (seven matches), Marcus Windhager (one match), and Max King (one match) serving bans, Higgins is the fourth St Kilda player suspended in 2024.
With 13 goals this season, the former Tiger leads the Saints in goalkicking, so losing him would be devastating.
