“A four-game penalty in a case of minimal culpability ties the hands in terms of consistency in future cases.”

The AFL’s representative, Lisa Hannon, disagreed with Krupka’s assessment.

The match review officer graded the incident as careless, severe impact and high contact.

“What the AFL does say is this was an entirely predictable outcome,” Hannon said.

“The responsibility lies with the player to avoid contact with the head.

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“In 2024 it is something deserving of a four-match suspension.

“The sanction that is imposed is something that in part serves as a function of general deterrence and sends a message to the playing community.”

Powell-Pepper’s bump on Keane took place just a day after Melbourne premiership hero Angus Brayshaw was forced to retire on medical advice to protect his long-term health and wellbeing.

Brayshaw, 28, was concussed multiple times throughout his career, most recently in a collision with Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard during last year’s finals.

In an attempt to clear Powell-Pepper, Krupka called biomechanics expert Kath Shorter to give evidence.

Shorter was questioned about the incident by Krupka, Hannon and tribunal chair Renee Enbom for about an hour.

Powell-Pepper, who is part of Port’s leadership group, will be unavailable for home-and-away matches against West Coast, Richmond, Melbourne and Essendon, as well as a community series clash with Fremantle on Friday.

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Keane will miss the mandatory 12 days after having a concussion, but Adelaide are hopeful he will be able to play in the Crows’ round-one game against Gold Coast on March 16.

AAP

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