Richmond skipper Toby Nankervis says he has already apologised to Jake Lloyd after his brutal bump left the Sydney Swans star concussed.
Nankervis was referred directly to the AFL tribunal for his bump and is facing a lengthy suspension of at least three weeks.
The Tigers sit 12th on the ladder, four points adrift of the top eight, and Nankervis’ absence could have a major impact on his club’s finals chances.
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”I sent Jake a message,” Nankervis told 9News Melbourne.
“It’s obviously disappointing for me, I never want to see anyone concussed.
“Absolutely I have (let the team down). As the leader of the footy club that’s not good enough. I need to be better than that and I take full responsibility for it.”
Nankervis’ hit, which came in the second quarter of a tightly contested clash, again prompted discussion over whether the AFL should implement a send-off rule.
Swans coach John Longmire, who had previously argued against the introduction of a send-off, flipped his script after seeing his side hurt by Nankervis’ bump.
“I was always in the no send-off camp over the years, but what’s happening in the game now, it’s changing a fair bit in regards to HIAs (head injury assessments), that’s happening a lot,” he said on Monday.
“I understand the sub is there to help mitigate those things that are happening more and more, but often that sub is not the type of player you have in your starting 22, it’s a different type of player and you can be unsettled.
“I don’t think there is a cut-and-dry answer, it doesn’t mean that everything is right.
“The only thing I would say is the HIA going the way it is, and going through the roof, it’s maybe worth looking at as a consideration … Look at what are the outcomes that might be a positive for the game and take it from there.”
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