PORT Adelaide defender Tom Jonas is facing a lengthy suspension after a crude elbow to the head of West Coast star Andrew Gaff.

Gaff went back with the flight of the ball and took the mark, only to be struck in the back of the head by Jonas.

He was knocked out cold and needed to be taken from the field on a stretcher.

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Gaff's teammates came in to remonstrate with Jonas with a huge melee breaking out.

He was taken down to the rooms and was seen on his feet during the three-quarter time break.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said Gaff was well enough to fly home with the team on Saturday night.

"He's OK, he's up walking around and he'll fly back tonight," Simpson said.

"I haven't looked at [the incident] in serious detail but some of me thinks that that's footy and part of me thinks that it might have been a bit over the line.

"He's one of the tougher players I've coached; I know he's an outside player and he gets a lot of uncontested ball but he's got the games record in a row at the football club and plays sore all the time.

"He never takes his eyes off the ball and it doesn't surprise me he didn't again."

Andrew Gaff lays motionless as trainers help him. Picture: AFL Media

Simpson was forgiving of those who engaged in the melee after the incident, imploring the AFL to avoid fining the players involved.

He argued that players were left with no alternative option than remonstrating after such a huge hit.

"I hope that we don't fine all our players for that. There's not much choice [other than to remonstrate] when that happens," he said.

"What are you meant to do? Stand there and wait for the stretcher? I'm sure we'll get that looked after."

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Port coach Ken Hinkley said the hit was out of character for Jonas, who is a popular and friendly figure at Alberton.

The coach admitted that his player had made a mistake though and that he'd now accept his punishment.

"Tommy does play close to the line. I've just spoken to him and his concern is all about Gaff and making sure he's OK," Hinkley said.

"His intent [was] not to cause the damage that obviously happened.

"He's a nice bloke, he knows he's made a mistake and we'll let that take care of itself.

"Tommy will cop what comes his way but he's more concerned for Andrew."

Gaff taken from the field on a stretcher. Picture: AFL Media

The Power could also be without star Robbie Gray, who was reported in the final quarter for tripping Mark LeCras.

Even if the MRP only fines him for the incident, it will be third low-level charge against Gray this season and will result in a one-match ban and rule him ineligible for the Brownlow Medal.

Brownlow risk as Gray walks Tribunal tightrope