A CONFUSED Luke Beveridge expects Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas to be let off for his off-the-ball hit on Western Bulldogs midfielder Luke Dahlhaus but cited an inconsistency with the Match Review Panel.
Jonas caught Dahlhaus high in the third quarter at Mars Stadium, leaving the Bulldog floored for a few seconds.
However, the premiership player stood up soon afterwards and finished the game, which the Dogs coach said would likely be the saving grace for Jonas.
"It's a challenging one for everyone because I think everyone had come to realise it was an outcome-based penalty or sanctioning approach, regardless of the criteria, if the player was injured or concussed from a head-high hit, then the perpetrator was likely to be in trouble. A player gets up and they're fine, then the perpetrator's probably okay," Beveridge said.
"So, I'd imagine Tom Jonas is probably fine because Luke's okay."
Last year, Jonas was banned for six games after he left West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff unconscious with a strike to the Eagle's head.
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He referred to punches being treated differently, an edict from the AFL in May when it said punches would no longer be tolerated.
The AFL made that statement after Richmond captain Trent Cotchin escaped with a fine for a jumper punch on Fremantle onballer Lachie Neale.
"That changed when it comes to the fists. It doesn't matter whether the player's okay or not. It's just the action, so they're two different assessments. One with jumper punch and one with other collisions, whether it be hips, elbows, shoulders (or) if they hit their head … so that's the confusing part for everyone," Beveridge said.
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"I'd imagine that because Dahl was fine, regardless of the action, that Tom's probably fine."
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said he didn't see the incident, but saw Dahlhaus on the ground.
"I actually haven't seen it because unfortunately the vision wasn't super down the ground for us. Knowing Tommy and knowing Tommy's history it would have been in play and fair enough," Hinkley said.
"As a defender, you do body check your opponents all the time that is what you are supposed to do.
"I think Luke got up and played on and was okay, without seeing it I suggest he'll be okay."
