George Hewett and Lachie Neale have avoided suspension from the Match Review Officer after their physical exchange in Carlton's Friday night win over Brisbane.
Late in the third term, Hewett lashed out at the Lions co-captain’s neck and while done with little force, still forced Neale to recoil.
Neale then returned serve with a blow to the Blue's rib cage.
Is there anything in these moments?#AFLLionsBlues pic.twitter.com/pay6rx6pzM
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 8, 2024
The duo tread a fine line given the changes to AFL rules over the off-season, which stipulated: “a player ruled to have committed a strike when intentionally shoving or fending an opponent will now be graded as intentional rather than careless.”
Instead of a suspension, both Neale and Hewett have been handed $2500 fines for striking.
They'll be able to play in their Round 1 clashes when Carlton meet Richmond on Thursday night at the MCG and Brisbane face Fremantle in Perth on Sunday.
