The head-high bump is set to become a hot topic in the AFL again this week, with Western Bulldogs star forward Robert Murphy and Adelaide's Brett Burton both in danger of suspension.

Murphy connected with Hawthorn youngster Xavier Ellis in Launceston on Saturday, while Burton crashed into Essendon's Henry Slattery in Adelaide on Friday night.

West Coast hard man Beau Waters could also be in trouble, for making high contact with Collingwood's Shane O'Bree at the MCG on Saturday.

Murphy is the only one of the three who was the subject of a match-day report.

The incidents come after Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams accused the tribunal of "tearing at the fabric of the game" by suspending Power star Shaun Burgoyne for three matches for his high bump on Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell a fortnight ago.

On the face of it, this weekend's three incidents appear at least as bad as that for which Burgoyne was banned, although Burgoyne would not have been hit with as severe a penalty if not for prior offences.

Burton seems almost certain to be suspended for his contact with Slattery late in the first quarter of Friday night's match.

Slattery was bent over trying to pick up the ball when the Crows star delivered a hip-and-shoulder which appeared to make contact high on the Essendon youngster's head.

Murphy is also likely to be in trouble, after running past the ball to make contact to Ellis' face with his left shoulder in the second quarter of their Launceston clash.

A dazed Ellis had to be helped from the field, although he later returned.

Waters could also be in danger, after his last-quarter bump on O'Bree left the Magpie midfielder bleeding from the face.

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