A TASMANIAN man is expected to be charged with unlawful assault and two counts of entering a sporting competition field after twice invading Etihad Stadium's arena during Sunday's Essendon-West Coast game.
The 38-year-old was spoken to by police at the scene and it is expected charges will be laid following the incident.
The man first ran onto the field on the water-side wing of the stadium before he tripped and was apprehended by security.
While being escorted around the ground's internal ring road to the police holding area, the man forcibly broke free and entered the field a second time via a ramp.
He ran back onto the ground in the forward pocket of the stadium's city side, where he was apprehended again.
Etihad Stadium communications manager Bill Lane said security processes would be looked at in the wake of the double invasion.
"We're looking at the issue. It's fair to say the matter is under review," Lane told AFL.com.au.
The maximum fine for pitch invasion at Etihad Stadium is $7000.
Lane could not comment on what sanction the man would receive, saying it was now a matter for the police to deal with.
He could also not confirm whether the Essendon supporter was a club member.
The incident came up in James Hird's post-match press conference, with the embattled Essendon coach briefly given reason to think about something other than the ongoing ASADA probe.
"It's the least of our worries at the moment - this pitch invader," Hird said.
"It's not good, you don't want people on the ground and the players - you don't want to put them in danger.
"It would be good if it didn't happen, but it has and I think the security dealt with it pretty well."
