HAYDEN Ballantyne has escaped the wrath of his coach Ross Lyon despite the Fremantle forward being reported for the third time this season.

 

Ballantyne was booked for striking Greater Western Sydney's Tomas Bugg during the third term of the Dockers' 76-point win at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.

 

He has already been suspended this season for two separate incidents against the Sydney Swans in round five. Ballantyne copped a one-match ban for striking and kneeing offences against Swans defender Rhyce Shaw and has 87.5 carryover points.

 

Lyon said at the time that Ballantyne had let himself and the team down with the undisciplined acts.

 

He didn't comment on the incident post-match, instead saying that Ballantyne is a key member of the Dockers. 

 

"He has been really good for us and I can only comment on his year," Lyon said.

 

"To be truthful, I see that there has been a report. He is playing very good footy, we will let that run it's course.

 

"I value Hayden and every time he is available I will pick Hayden. So that is where we are with Hayden."

 

Ballantyne kicked five goals in Sunday's victory to take his tally to 38 goals for the season, surpassing his previous best of 34 of 2013.

 

The report did not overshadow Anthony Morabito's home return. The 22-year-old made a momentous comeback to AFL football from three knee reconstructions last week in Darwin but the home fans gave him a standing ovation when he came on as the substitute on Sunday against the Giants.

 

Lyon said it was a thrilling moment.

 

"The roar when he came on was fantastic," Lyon said.

 

"I thought he played strongly and he will play again next week."

 

Morabito had 15 touches in a quarter-and-a-half and Lyon said he was a chance to start next week.

 

"We will certainly consider everyone for a starting role, but I think to be fair we have really handled Anthony well as a club," Lyon said.

 

"We think we've really progressed him nicely. I think he's more ready for a full game next week than he was this week."