Marathon hearing leads to big ban for Saints star

UPDATED: St Kilda small forward Jack Higgins has had his three-week ban upheld, after his sling tackle on Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir was graded by the MRO.

The act was graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact, amounting to a three-week ban with no chance of an early plea.

St Kilda challenged the ban at the AFL tribunal but was ultimately unsuccessful in a hearing that went over three hours. 

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During the incident, Allir was chasing a bouncing ball that fell short in St Kilda's forward 50, grabbing it mid-air and attempting to throw it on his boot during the Power's 10-point win on Friday night.

Higgins then wrapped Aliir up in a half tackle, slinging him around and dumping him into the turf by pulling his arm down.

Aliir was clearly hurt by the tackle, staying down on the ground for a few seconds in agony, before being helped up by a trainer.

The Port defender was awarded a free kick for the dangerous sling and took the kick.

He continued to play out the second quarter, but was subbed out at halftime after undergoing a HIA.

Higgins' act comes months after Melbourne premiership midfielder Angus Brayshaw was forced to medically retire from the game due to the ongoing effects of concussion.

Brayshaw's retirement follows the AFL making a rule change in 2024 in response to Collingwood premiership player Brayden Maynard's controversial bump on Brayshaw in the 2023 qualifying final.

More recently, Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy was also forced to medically retire from the game for the same reasons as Brayshaw.

The Saints will need to act quickly to replace Higgins, as they look to improve their 2-5 record after seven rounds.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide will have to take on rivals Adelaide in the showdown without Aliir, who, under league concussion protocols, will be sidelined for 12 days.