Round 13 Talking Points: Stratton feeling the pinch, fan crackdown continues, Sonny’s star rises and more
Here are the big talking points from what has been an action-packed Round 13.
Stratton under fire for pinching tactics
Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton will face the AFL Tribunal on two separate charges this Tuesday night.
The defender was cited for repeatedly pinching Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia during Friday night’s match at Marvel Stadium, leading to calls for a suspension to be handed down.
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes believes Stratton should be stripped of the captaincy for a week and that a fine simply doesn’t cut it on this occasion.
Stratton is remorseful for his tactics that left Fantasia with multiple bruises on his tricep. He was also cited for stomping on Bombers forward Shaun Mckernan.
Pinching and pushing.
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) June 14, 2019
How have you perceived Stratton's treatment to Fantasia? #AFLDonsHawks pic.twitter.com/ECsZzvei9e
Fan crackdown continues as tensions heighten
The AFL’s crackdown on fan behaviour continued over the weekend with a noticeable increase in security presence.
‘Behavioural Awareness Officers’ were spotted patrolling games at Marvel Stadium on both Friday and Saturday night, despite AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan denying claims of a fan crackdown.
Security guards on high alert during #AFLBluesDogs pic.twitter.com/D9MUil2qkJ
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 15, 2019
Certain fans were left feeling intimidated and reluctant to barrack in case they found themselves ejected from the AFL-owned venue.
Marvel Stadium CEO Michael Green told AFL Nation a review into the stadium’s decision to increase their “visual presence” of security will be conducted.
Some fans at Marvel don't look happy.#AFLBluesDogs pic.twitter.com/iKo9DiTSSc
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 15, 2019
Green was adamant the AFL have not orchestrated the heightened security measures.
Two Carlton fans were escorted from Marvel Stadium during last night’s match against North Melbourne, a week after a Blues fan was removed for calling an umpire a "bald headed flog".
"Just let the people sit there and watch the footy."
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 15, 2019
- @mattricho0 pic.twitter.com/UWByL2L4eR
'Behavioural Awareness Officers' were spotted at Marvel Stadium last night. Has the crackdown on crowd behaviour gone too far? #AFL pic.twitter.com/v0GL4WnZ7U
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) June 15, 2019
Sonny’s star rises
Fremantle star Michael Walters is the hottest player in the AFL right now.
Walters booted an equal career-best six goals in the vital win over Port Adelaide, a result that saw the Dockers jump into sixth spot on the ladder.
The electrifying midfielder/forward has become a talismanic figure for Freo, proving to be the matchwinner in the club’s last three victories.
An All-Australian gong beckons for Walters who averages 21.7 disposals and just under two goals per game in what has been a career-best season.
Michael Walters has hit the Power for six!#AFLFreoPower pic.twitter.com/1wvqmLZN4W
— AFL (@AFL) June 15, 2019
Stack shares moment with childhood hero Betts
Richmond youngster Sydney Stack embraced Adelaide star Eddie Betts after his latest mercurial moment.
Stack and Betts exchanged a hug and a high-five after the veteran Crow slotted a goal late in Thursday night’s match at the Adelaide Oval.
Betts was on the receiving end of a cheeky sledge from the young Tiger prior to his goal from the boundary line.
Game recognise game.
— AFL (@AFL) June 13, 2019
Sydney Stack shows his appreciation for Eddie's brilliance! #AFLCrowsTigers pic.twitter.com/nVWOdOdWho
The interaction was met with positivity by fans and former players alike, while some disagreed with the timing of it.
Stack’s actions didn’t sit well with Melbourne great and SEN Breakfast host Garry Lyon, saying an exchange like that should be done after the final siren and not during the heat of battle.