Collingwood’s Billy Frampton has been offered a three-match suspension for his tackle on Melbourne forward Brody Mihocek.

Midway through the second term of the clash between the Magpies and Demons on Monday, Mihocek slipped while attempting to evade his 2023 premiership teammate and went head-first into the turf after being taken to ground by Frampton.

A long pause in play ensued as the 33-year-old, who joined Melbourne from Collingwood over the off-season, was stretchered from the ground and taken directly to hospital.

On Tuesday, the Demons revealed Mihocek had undergone surgery on a fracture in his neck overnight and was “up and walking today”.

No timeline has yet been put on a potential playing return, with Melbourne’s football boss Alan Richardson saying Mihocek’s health and wellbeing was their main priority.

“You never want to see an incident in our game, like what we saw with Brody on Monday,” Richardson said.

“Brody is in the very best of care and was able to undergo surgery last night, which, thankfully, went as planned.

“Our primary focus right now is supporting Brody, his partner Polly and their family through his recovery, while ensuring his return to full health.”

AFL match review officer Michael Christian has graded the incident as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact, with the Magpies reportedly weighing up whether to appeal.

Meanwhile, Kysaiah Pickett remains eligible for the Brownlow Medal after only being offered a fine for tripping Brayden Maynard and fellow WA product Ed Allan can accept a $1000 sanction for marking careless contact with an umpire.