After Sullivan Robey and Angus Clarke were both cited for careless contact with an umpire during their side's latest horror showing - a 90-point loss at the hands of the reigning, defending, back-to-back champions - the Essendon Bombers are facing the very real possibility of a huge fine from decision makers inside AFL House.
In May, the AFL wrote to clubs, informing them of the possibility of a $50,000 fine if their club is cited for five or more instances of umpire contact in a given season.
With these two most recent offences, the Bombers have joined the Gold Coast Suns in crossing that threshold.
The Suns were handed a $20,000 fine last month, and, if Essendon cannot overturn one or both of Robey's, Clarke's or both infractions, they can expect to be met with the same fate.
The Brisbane Lions, through the same infraction, courtesy of beloved veteran Jarrod Berry, have joined a host of clubs on the precipice of that considerable financial sanction.
The champs drew level with Collingwood, Fremantle, North Melbourne, Sydney and the Western Bulldogs on four offences of this nature, this season.
Ruckman Sam Draper was stellar in his side's victory, notching arguably his best performance in Lions' colours. The one blemish on his outing, though, was a trip committed against former teammate Jye Caldwell, in the first quarter.
The former Bomber can accept a $2000 fine, reduced from $3000, with an early plea.
