Police are reportedly investigating an incident that occurred between Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir and a Sydney supporter at the SCG on Sunday.
Early in the final term, Aliir took a mark before the goal lines and ran toward the fence when he encountered an item that was allegedly thrown towards him, which was revealed to be a supporter's sign.
The Power defender can be seen talking to the Swans fan before re-entering the field.
The Swans released a statement following the Sunday evening incident.
"The fan was removed from the venue and has been interviewed by police and SCG staff," it said.
"The club is working to ascertain if the fan is a member. The club has reached out to Aliir, and we will continue to educate fans that any form of abusive behaviour is not welcome.
"The Sydney Swans would like to reiterate our zero-tolerance stance on all forms of abuse."
Channel 7'sย Mitch Cleary revealed that the SCG handed the patron a two-year ban.
The 16-year-old patron from this incident has been given a two-year ban from the SCG.
Received a caution (warning) from NSW police. https://t.co/dhAOq0ubmU— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) April 21, 2025
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was firm in his stance against supporters engaging with players, saying they need to "respect our footballers".
"Let's respect our footballers. That's the most important thing," Hinkley said post-match.
"We've had a little bit of this stuff going on over the journey, the last few weeks particularly. Let them do what they do.
"You come to watch them. Just admire them for what they are, I would have thought, and enjoy the game. If you can't do that, please don't come."
It is understood that the 16-year-old offender received a "youth caution", writes theย Herald Sun.
NSW Police confirmed on Monday that he had been interviewed.
"On Sunday 20 April 2025, officers attached to Central Metro Region were in attendance at an AFL game at a sports stadium on Driver Avenue, Moore Park," NSW Police said in a statement.
"During the game, a 16-year-old boy allegedly threw a banner at one of the players.
"Police spoke to the boy before they issued a youth caution."
The AFL has historically had a strong stance on supporters engaging with players, especially when they come into contact with them.
Suspended Collingwood member Justin Witcombe apologised on the 3AW talkback line this morning for hugging West Coast player Harvey Johnston on the boundary on the weekend.
And Eddie McGuire thinks he's been treated "harshly" by the AFL.
MORE ๐ https://t.co/f0y6SYmHkl pic.twitter.com/j9gkX7koBh
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) May 15, 2024
Last year, an AFL fan was hit with a lifetime ban for throwing a bottle at a goal umpire, Steven Piperno, who suffered a nasty cut to the head.
Last year, a Collingwood supporter was banned for 12 months after he hugged a West Coast player, Harvey Johnston, with six months suspended.
Despite a drama-filled last quarter, Port Adelaide came away with the all-important four premiership points, claiming a second consecutive victory against the odds.
