Spear tackle

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A spear tackle is a dangerous tackle in rugby union, rugby league and Australian rules football whereby a player is picked up by a tackler on their side, and turned so that they are upside down. The tackler then drops the player on the ground often head or neck first. It is highly dangerous and can cause serious injury or even death.

Australian Rules players Dean Rioli, Matthew Whelan and Peter Burgoyne are renowned for using this tackling technique.

Often termed a "dangerous throw", the National Rugby League (NRL) competition awards a penalty for players being lifted beyond the horizontal. In the Australian Football League (AFL), it is a reportable offence, and player found guilty face the tribunal and possible suspension.