Geelong Cats key forward Tom Hawkins could become the first player to be suspended under the AFL’s revised approach to jumper-punches, after an incident during his side’s important win over the Adelaide Crows.
Hawkins had been involved in a brief scuffle with Adelaide midfielders Brad and Matt Crouch, which ended with the Cat striking the latter Crow while holding part of his jumper.
The AFL has been underfire in recent weeks to enforce harsher penalties for jumper-punches, after Richmond’s Trent Cotchin was only fined for striking Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale in the jaw in Round 8.
The AFL has since indicated it will apply stricter penalties for jumper-punches.
Despite the speculation surrounding the incident, no free kick was awarded against Hawkins for the act.
BARBARA EDWARDS
Guest
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on these matters however so many other incidents have gone unreported or dismissed. I cannot see how there could now be more than a fine. Even playing field for all MRP!