Collingwood’s recent recruit Dan Houston is under the spotlight once again following a controversial moment during the Magpies’ win over Carlton. In only his third game for Collingwood, Houston delivered a high bump on Carlton forward Lachie Fogarty, resulting in a two-match suspension. The incident took place during Thursday night’s clash, which ended in a 17-point victory for the Magpies.
As the ball sailed over the pack, Houston leapt into the contest and made contact with Fogarty’s head using his forearm. Although it looked dangerous, Fogarty managed to continue playing without any visible injury, a factor that helped limit the severity of Houston’s punishment. The AFL’s Match Review Officer graded the bump as careless with high contact and high impact, ultimately resulting in a two-game ban rather than a longer stint on the sidelines.
This means Houston will be sidelined for the upcoming Gather Round match against Sydney and the highly anticipated Easter Thursday face-off with Brisbane. However, he’ll be available to make his return in time for the traditional Anzac Day game, one of the most significant fixtures on the AFL calendar. Houston, who joined Collingwood from Port Adelaide at the end of the previous season, already missed the first round this year while serving the remainder of a suspension from a separate incident involving Adelaide’s Izak Rankine.
Reflecting on the hit post-match, Houston said he believed he was making a legitimate play for the ball. “I thought it was fair play. I was protecting myself, and sometimes things happen quickly out there,” he explained. “To be honest, I didn’t even realize I made contact. My focus was completely on the team and the play at hand.” Despite the scrutiny, Houston was a key contributor on the night, racking up 23 disposals and demonstrating his precision kicking skills in the tough, wet conditions.
Elsewhere in the same match, Carlton’s Patrick Cripps and George Hewett were fined for minor infractions involving contact with umpires. Cripps accepted a $1,875 penalty, while Hewett was fined $3,125. A heated scuffle at quarter-time involving Collingwood’s Nick Daicos and Carlton’s Sam Walsh drew plenty of attention from fans but didn’t result in any further disciplinary action from the league.
As Collingwood continues to settle into the season, Houston’s absence may present both a challenge and an opportunity. With tough games ahead, the Magpies will need others to step up in his place while they await the return of their hard-hitting defender on Anzac Day.