Kozzie Pickett is looking at a late start to next year.
The Melbourne forward collected Collingwood captain Darcy Moore in the face with his right arm just minutes before half-time at the MCG.
Pickett went low to bump Moore as the Magpie defender dropped to his knees to collect a ground ball. At the last second, Picket lifted his right forearm and got Moore flush on the cheek.
Moore was initially shaken, but looked unhurt when he stood to take a free kick.
Hard to see the MRO forgiving Pickett on this one. He was rubbed out for a week earlier this year for a bump on Adelaide’s Jake Soligo.
The Magpies’ chain fell off the cog for a good 10 minutes of the second term.
They were spinning the wheels but losing ground.
Not that Melbourne looks like overtaking them just yet.
The Demons kicked 3.3 for the second term to Collingwood’s 3.1 and closed a 27-point quarter deficit to 25 points.
That’s hardly catch-up football.
Nick Daicos (20 possessions) and Josh Daicos (18 possessions) are enjoying a night out.
Kozzie Pickett, Bobby Hill and Darcy Cameron have all kicked two goals each.
