Why Cornes “can’t cop” a three-week ban for Xerri

North Melbourne star Tristan Xerri is potentially facing a three-week suspension for his careless hit on Melbourne’s Tom Sparrow.

Following a ruck battle in North’s forward 50 at the MCG on Sunday, the ball found its way into the arms of the oncoming Sparrow. In an attempt to make contact with the ball and/or player, Xerri flung an arm in which took Sparrow high, immediately knocking out the Demon.

The reckless hit is sure to result in a suspension, with the incidental collision to be ruled as high contact and severe impact.

Many people have had their say on social media, with the incident likely to be the main talking point of the week until the MRO hand down their decision.

SEN's Tom Morris is suggesting that the AFL could ban Xerri for three matches given the result of a concussion to Sparrow.

“I think they’ll see it as careless and because he got concussed I think it will be at least three weeks,” Morris said on SEN's Fireball.

“But this is the issue - my flinch reaction was I thought it was accidental. So there’s a blurred line between accidental and careless. I don’t think anyone is suggesting that it’s intentional.

“Should he have shown more care in the situation? That is the question you’ve got to ask yourself.”

Kane Cornes wondered whether or not the MRO matrix could one day include ‘accidental’ in its grading.

He says he could not cop Xerri receiving as hefty a ban as three weeks.

“It’s really difficult. Every time you see this incident it’s in slo-mo. No one ever replays this in full speed,” he said.

“In slo-mo it looks like he could have shown a bit more care. But in real time it is just that - an accident.

“Whether we have room in future to have a grading as ‘accidental’ which reduces the sanction. I can’t cop that he’d miss three weeks for that, I can’t.”

Asked if he’d be happy if Xerri missed a week for the incident, Cornes replied: “It’s better than three, isn’t it?

“We could probably stomach a week for the fact that somebody has been knocked out cold, for the look of the game, and we’re all understanding of that.

“But I don’t think that incident deserves a three-week ban.”

Demon Jake Melksham spoke with ABC Sport post-game, stating that the incident appeared to be a simple accident.

“Regardless of what happens on the field, once the siren goes, you always shake hands,” Melksham said.

“From what I saw, I’m going to say he didn’t mean it. He’s a brute of a man and he just imposes himself on contests, these things happen.”

Fox Footy's Cameron Mooney added: “It was just a reaction to try and hit the ball, and he’s completely missed it.

“That’s reckless … (he’ll) get some time for that. I don’t think it was anything untoward for it, but he’s got it wrong.

“If the ball’s there, your natural reaction is to flick an arm or hand at it. I think that’d what he’s tried to do, but he’s just missed it and got him high.”

Xerri is one of the favourites for the All-Australian ruck position this season.