Collision has Hardwick on run
24 May 2004 Herald Sun
Bruce Matthews
PORT Adelaide's Damien Hardwick will come under scrutiny after colliding with a Richmond runner on Saturday night.
The umpires' observer will lodge an incident referral notice with the AFL today for video reports officer Ian Robinson.
It's likely Hardwick will be summoned to the AFL Tribunal this week to face a charge of interfering with an official.
A member of Essendon's 2000 premiership team, the tough defender clashed with Tiger runner Matthew Hornsby late in the last quarter at AAMI Stadium.
Hornsby, who shares runner duties with Dale Weightman, found himself close to a pack of milling players, including Hardwick, while delivering a message for coach Danny Frawley.
It's unclear whether words were exchanged before Hornsby ran off, pursued by Hardwick.
Videotape of the game showed Hardwick sprint about 15m and deliver a solid bump with his shoulder to the back of the unsuspecting runner.
Hornsby stumbled but kept his feet, glancing back in surprise before jogging to the interchange bench.
Kangaroos pair David King and Anthony Stevens were the last players to be in trouble for clashes with rival team officials.
King was suspended for one match for interfering with a Collingwood runner in the 2001 pre-season competition, while Stevens received a $3500 fine following a clash with the Magpie doctor during the same game.
Forward Peter Burgoyne is another Port Adelaide player expected to be asked to explain his actions to the tribunal this week.
A down-the-ground camera caught Burgoyne kneeing Richmond's Chris Hyde in a behind-the-play incident.
Burgoyne, among the early-season contenders for the Brownlow Medal, raised his left knee and appeared to make contact with the back of Hyde's right leg, above the knee.
