HAWTHORN headlines four clubs fined for failing to adhere to the AFL's return-to-play protocols in the past week.  

The Hawks have received and accepted a $50,000 fine, half of which is suspended for the remainder of the season. 

Carlton, North Melbourne and Richmond all accepted a $45,000 fine, also with $25,000 suspended until the end of the season.

>> READ THE FULL AFL STATEMENT ON SANCTION GUIDELINES

In a statement, the AFL said the specific breaches would remain between the clubs and the League "in order to protect the well-being of the club people". 

However, a Hawthorn statement revealed its breach involved non-selected players entering a public area of the SCG during the club's match against Sydney on Saturday.

The Hawks confirmed there wasn't a breach of government or quarantine protocols. 

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said the club was "incredibly disappointed" and there was "no excuse for our breach". 

"We expect much more of our players and the club, and we take full responsibility for the breach in question and accept the sanction which has been handed down," Kennett said.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to apologise to the AFL, all clubs, our Hawthorn members and the broader community for stepping outside of the protocols, putting the game at risk and bringing our club into disrepute." 

The Blues' breach involved a member of the club's travelling group "inadvertently" breaching the AFL's protocols when they sought childcare assistance. 

Carlton chief executive Cain Liddle said everyone at the club understood the seriousness of the breach and clarification should have been requested.

"For context purposes, the period in which this breach occurred was after the quarantine timeframe had concluded," Liddle said. 

"This individual had sought support with childcare, which is approved within the AFL protocols.

"However, the activity undertaken by those caring for children is where we have let ourselves down, given this is where the opportunity to seek clarity should have been taken." 

A North Melbourne statement read: "Although the club believed it was operating with the full approval of the AFL and strongly suggests a communication breakdown is at fault, it accepts the decision that's been handed down."

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said his club's breach was "unintentional" but accepted the sanction.

"Strict adherence to the competition's protocols is essential, and we have taken measures to ensure everyone in our Queensland hub is fully aware of their responsibility to adhere to them," Gale said.