PORT Adelaide has been cautioned by the SANFL over the behaviour of Magpies coach Garry Hocking after he momentarily lost his cool during a trial game last Friday night.
Tensions during the Magpies' heated trial against North Adelaide boiled over in the final term when Power-listed midfielder Ben Newton was knocked out after being hit front-on with his head over the ball.
As players remonstrated on the field, Hocking remonstrated off it, stepping out of his coaching box and approaching Roosters' coach and former Adelaide forward Ken McGregor.
While Hocking will escape sanction, SANFL general manager Chris Davies told AFL.com.au the state league would send Port a letter explaining the former Geelong hard-man's actions were unacceptable.
"The SANFL were made aware of an incident that occurred during a Port Adelaide and North Adelaide match," Davies said.
"This incident has been dealt with – the SANFL will be finalising a letter that will be sent to the Port Adelaide Football Club to remind the club of the SANFL's expectations in regard to the conduct of its officials."
The state league is keen to eliminate any inappropriate behaviour by coaches, particularly after last season's 'Rumble in the Tunnel' involving a player and two opposing coaches.
In that infamous encounter Norwood coach and now Essendon assistant Nathan Bassett was found guilty of making contact with then West Adelaide coach Andrew Collins as the pair left the field at half-time.
Redlegs player Jace Bode was found guilty of striking Collins, who was fined for using threatening language.
Davies described the SANFL as entering into a "new era" in 2014 as it welcomes Adelaide's state league side and allows all non-selected Power-listed players to play for the Magpies.
The league has also sealed a deal with Channel 7 that will see one game a week broadcast by the commercial network.
"It's an exciting time for the SANFL competition, not only do we have a new broadcaster which has brought with it new sponsors, but we also have a new team in Adelaide and the Magpies operating as the Power's support team," he said.
"It's a new era for South Australian football."
