Buddy bump sparks melee against Tigers

Sydney Swans star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin could be in strife for a bump against Richmond that sparked a melee in Saturday's clash at the MCG.

Buddy was reported for rough conduct on Tigers midfielder Connor Menadue in the second quarter of the match.

The Swans sharpshooter was chasing down a loose ball when he hit Menadue with a high bump.

The Richmond man was bent over the ball when Buddy made contact and the collision left him sprawled out on the ground.

Menadue's teammates took exception to the contact as players from both sides rushed in to get involved.

During the ensuing melee, Franklin threw Richmond's Alex Rance to the ground, while also clashing with opposition star Jack Riewoldt.

Franklin, who went into the round leading the race for the Coleman Medal (36 goals), now faces the prospect of being sidelined over the incident.