Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra could be the first player to face the Tribunal for four or more careless collisions with an umpire in a two-year period.
The AFL's latest crackdown indicated that players would be put under the microscope, and could face suspensions, given the increase in penalties handed out for careless contact from previous years.
The league is adamant that it wants to provide more protection for umpires, with over 60 fines handed down, surpassing last year's 56.
Cerra could be set to receive a fourth fine over the past two seasons.
The former Docker was attempting to stop Brisbane star Lachie Neale late in the second term, and with his back to the play (and umpire), with eyes on Neale, he moved backwards and knocked the umpire over.
"If that is deemed a careless act ... he'll be off to the Tribunal."
Adam Cerra could be off to the Tribunal for umpire contact, per @cleary_mitch. pic.twitter.com/FbjJwmkr9n
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) July 10, 2025
Cerra will learn his fate on Friday when the Match Review Officer (MRO) hands down its findings from Thursday's contest.
Blues coach Michael Voss revealed that the club addressed its players regarding umpire contact in his post-match address.
"We've addressed that as a football club (the crackdown on umpire contact)," Voss said.
"The correspondence has been pretty clear coming out from the AFL. Obviously, the first thing we do is make sure we have that covered off. It's been something we're all really mindful of in the industry. I think every club is spending some time on it.
"When you're in really high-contested areas, it doesn't always go perfect.
"There's going to be some error. Unfortunately, the mids are the ones going to be copping probably the brunt of it the most. We need to be cautious there. I actually haven't seen the incident. I can actually genuinely say I haven't seen the incident. I'll have to go back and have a look at what it looks like.
"When you watch the four umpires, there is a way they move around the ground.
"It's an invasive gameโฆ the ball shifts off the line in a split second."
It comes as Voss implored the AFL to stop play if the umpires interfere, with Carlton defender Lachie Cowan running into an on-field official early in the match, which cost the club a goal.
Cam Rayner swooped in following the pile-up before handing it to Charlie Cameron for a six-pointer.
