AFL General Manager of football operations Simon Lethlean has confirmed speculation that there will be harsher penalties for on-field punches.
Talking on SEN Breakfast on Tuesday morning, Lethlean said penalties will be introduced imminently following several incidents this season which has seen an outcry from media personnel and people involved in the AFL, including CEO Gillon McLachlan.
“Across the last few years broadly the MRP has done a good job in classifying on-field incidents in the way they have been directed to.
“I think we are where we are now, so far as I think a change is required.”
Lethlean went on to say that fines were not deterring players from such acts, and that changes needed to be made to stamp them out of the game.
“Clearly the deterrent of fines is not stopping on-field punching in various forms and we want to stamp that out,” he said.
“That’s up to me now to give the MRP the equipment by which to be able to classify whether for more forceful contact or for more intent.
“We’ll work out how we can do that in the next few days, so that it’s enforceable at tribunal.
“We just need to provide a new direction for them, that’s for us to show some leadership and we’ll do so.”
The football operations boss admitted it was unusual to make such changes during the season, but said it was an issue that needed immediate attention.
“We didn’t want punching to continue. We’re unequivocal about that.
“We’ll make that really clear to the players and clubs, and make a change that is enforceable and gives the MRP the right equipment in their classifications to ensure that sanctions are now matches as compared to fines if that’s going to be the deterrent required.”
