THE AFL will consider introducing harsher penalties for head punches if it feels the MRP guidelines are not a sufficient deterrent, but a red-card system won't be part of any changes.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan told reporters on Thursday the League was not prepared to tolerate punching in the game and would discuss revamping its existing penalties if necessary.
But McLachlan reiterated the League did not believe sending offenders off for the rest of a game was the answer, saying a red-card system would introduce "a whole series of inconsistencies".
"There are two parts about it. There's the deterrent and the implications I think. I think we've said our initial response is that we're happy with the system that we have, but you're always open-minded and we'll have conversations," McLachlan said.
"I don't believe that a red card is any bigger deterrent for Tom Bugg than, say, missing six weeks and I think our game with the video and the scrutiny means that we can actually get the sanction right and make the really right decisions.
"I think there are potential challenges for the umpire to make the right decision every time in the heat of battle."
Melbourne's Bugg was suspended for six games this week for punching Swans defender Callum Mills in the head, while Richmond defender Bachar Houli copped a four-week penalty a week earlier for a high strike on Carlton's Jed Lamb.
Both Mills and Lamb were hit in the first quarter and both were unable to play any further game in their games because of concussion.
Two-time Brownlow medallist Chris Judd is among those who have championed the introduction of a red-card system for such incidents.
Asked whether the MRP penalties were strong enough for "one-punch offenders", McLachlan indicated the AFL would review its existing system.
"That raises a good question about is six weeks enough or is the consequence enough, and that's a conversation I'm prepared to pick up because I think you've heard it from the AFL, whether it's where we are today on this specific issue at hand or whether it's the decisions we have made this week, it's not something we're prepared to tolerate," he said.
"So whether in broader discussions we look at the consequences at the Tribunal or at the MRP, then that's where the discussion (will be)."
