Lions’ hero Jarrod Berry to face MRO scrutiny for possible eye-gouge on Clayton Oliver

Fresh off his star turn in Brisbane’s semi-final triumph over Melbourne, midfielder Jarrod Berry faces a nervous wait over a potential eye-gouging charge.

Key points:

  • Jarrod Berry said there was “nothing purposeful” towards Clayton Oliver’s face during their scuffle
  • Berry will miss a week if the MRO rules he made intentional contact to Oliver’s face
  • The Lions should welcome Joe Daniher and Oscar McInerney back for their prelim against Geelong

The incident occurred early in the third quarter as Berry and Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver engaged in a scrap off the ball while Brisbane fought their way back into the contest.

Pinned to the ground by Oliver, Berry can be seen with his hands near Oliver’s face before pushing him away.

Oliver got up and complained to the umpire immediately afterwards.

If Berry is adjudged to have intentionally made contact with Oliver’s face — not necessarily just his eyes — he faces a one-match suspension and would miss the Lions’ preliminary final against Geelong.

After the match, Berry said there was “nothing purposeful” in his actions.

“It was just a little scuffle in the centre of the MCG. It’s just part of the contest, part of the mental battle,” Berry said.

Author: Ivan Robinson