Lions players fume after Brandon Starcevich cops ‘coathanger’ from Marlion Pickett

Richmond’s Marlion Pickett will be sweating on the Match Review after being reported for striking Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich late in his side’s loss on Friday night.

Pickett delivered a “coathanger” tackle on the defender during the fourth quarter of the fiery clash, drawing plenty of Lions opponents over to remonstrate in the aftermath.

“He’s lucky he hit the right bloke, he’s tough as they come, Starcevich,” Lions great Jonathan Brown said on Fox Footy.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

While Pickett copped an on-field report, Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph believes “at the very worst” he is facing a fine for misconduct.

“This hit on Brandon Starcevich … it‘s not really rough conduct, it’s not really striking, and I think it’s an old-fashioned coathanger,” he said on Fox Footy post-game.

“I can’t see it warranting a suspension, maybe a $2000 fine.“