A 'ZERO-TOLERANCE' punch policy being considered by the AFL for next season could see bans handed out for strikes with minimal impact – such as Taylor Walker's controversial round 15 hit on Luke Shuey.
The tougher crackdown on punching is one of a number of proposals set to be discussed at season's end when the AFL reviews its match review processes and Tribunal guidelines.
There was outrage across the football community earlier this year when Walker was fined $2500 for his 'tummy tap' on Shuey during Adelaide's clash with West Coast.
The Crows captain was later cleared of any wrongdoing at the AFL Tribunal, who deliberated for just one minute before reaching its verdict.
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However, should calls for a crackdown on striking be heeded in the wake of last week's Andrew Gaff incident, AFL.com.au understands that cases like Walker's could earn the greater penalty of a suspension – rather than a fine – in 2019.
A strike like Dan Hannebery's on James Harmes during Sunday's last quarter at the MCG – which earned the Sydney midfielder a $1500 misconduct fine – is another that would also likely attract a suspension, should the policy be introduced next season.
The AFL's initial crackdown on striking incidents this season has involved dishing out more misconduct fines, which considered the action of certain strikes more than the outcome.
It has enabled Match Review Officer Michael Christian to fine players for punching opponents, even when the force involved didn't constitute a striking charge.
It has led to 61 players being found guilty of misconduct this season, totalling $91,500 worth of fines.
However, Christian has recently been forced to respond to suggestions that the AFL's leniency on punches ultimately led to an incident such as Gaff's last week.
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On Monday, he was grilled about whether Cale Hooker's strike to Daniel McKenzie on Friday night – which earned the Essendon defender a $1500 misconduct fine – was a sufficient penalty in the wake of Gaff's punch.
In responding to the question, Christian warned against a striking crackdown being introduced, saying it would lead to suspension "carnage" across the AFL.
"To suspend every player that strikes or punches with negligible impact … I think we've got to be a little careful what we wish for because there will be carnage in terms of the number of suspensions," Christian said.
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