Hawthorn defender Kyle Hartigan has escaped with a $2,000 fine for his late hit on Tom Hawkins in Monday’s clash at the MCG.
Hawkins received a 50-metre penalty for the hit, with Hartigan striking him on the head after he took a mark inside 50.
Match Review Officer Michael Christian judged the incident to be careless conduct, low impact and high contact, allowing him to accept a $2,000 sanction with an early plea.
Andy Maher said on SEN's Bob and Andy yesterday that Hartigan "has to go" for the incident, calling for the MRO to hand him a suspension.
Tom Mitchell (striking) and Isaac Smith (misconduct) were also handed fines.
Eyes on the back of opponent’s head.
— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) April 7, 2021
Ball a foot and a half away from defender’s fist.
And yet this is ‘careless’ instead of ‘intentional’.
I’ll be buggered if I know what intentional looks like if this ain’t it. pic.twitter.com/cyujV5yJiJ