Those who have blamed Aliir Aliir for contributing to his own concussion are in the wrong, according to Kane Cornes.
The Port Adelaide defender was concussed in the second quarter of his side’s eventual 10-point win over St Kilda on Friday night when his head made contact with the ground.
It came due to a tackle from Saints forward Jack Higgins who had Aliir’s arm pinned, resulting in the concussion and a subsequent three-match suspension.
However, some critics, including Jordan Lewis, believe in attempting to kick the ball, Aliir catapulted his own weight towards the ground which contributed to the force.
“I feel for Higgins. If Aliir Aliir understands that he’s being tackled and doesn’t then try to kick the ball, then there’s probably no case to answer for,” the Hawthorn premiership great said on Fox Footy.
“If you’re looking at what players contribute to that, I think it’s 50/50, I think Aliir contributes 50 per cent of that force by going to the ground trying to dispose the ball.”
Jack Higgins has been handed a three-match suspension for this tackle on Aliir Aliir.
— AFL (@AFL) April 27, 2024
Full details: https://t.co/knAkrZeKEX pic.twitter.com/oXt4yiPRwr
In response to those comments, Cornes cannot believe that criticism is being directed at Aliir for doing what he is actually required to do in order to not give away free kick.
“With the Higgins tackle on Aliir, pull your socks up to anyone who is critical of Aliir for trying to kick the ball,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.
“That is what you are required to do. The rules state: if you’ve had prior, if you get tackled, you are required to make an effort to dispose of the ball.
“Then we’re sitting there being critical of Aliir for trying to kick the ball. He’s got one arm (pinned) so he can’t handball it. His only option, in the rules, is to kick the ball.
“How could you be critical of Aliir and place any blame on him for trying to kick the ball?
“Jordan Lewis is suggesting that it’s half Aliir’s fault for trying to kick the ball and put himself in a vulnerable position and that’s what has led to the concussion.
“Come on! That’s the only option he’s got, otherwise it’s holding the ball.”
Aliir was subbed out of the match at half-time with concussion which led to the hefty suspension Higgins received.
The tackle was deemed as careless rough conduct with severe impact and high contact, leading to three matches on the sidelines for Higgins.
The Saints have not yet confirmed whether they’ll appeal the sanction.
