AFL MRO: Hawthorn gun in hot water for header – AFL News

Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath could be in line for a head-butting charge from the AFL’s Match Review Officer following an incident in the first half of Saturday’s game against Adelaide.

Jiath was one of several players involved in a mild altercation during the second term of the match after a free-kick was awarded to teammate Jack Ginnivan.

Hawthorn and Adelaide players tried to potentially instigate a brawl as Jiath stepped between Ginnivan and Crows defender Mark Keane, only for Mitch Hinge to then come to his teammate’s defence.

As Ginnivan went back to prepare for a set shot on goal. Jiath delivered a costly reversed free-kick for the header.

The referee could be heard penalizing Jiath for a header and placed the Hawks defender on the report, with Jiath looking to have made high contact on Hinge.

Jiath’s actions will likely attract the attention of the MRO, who could charge “headbutting or contact using the head”.

If the level of impact is not considered negligible, then Jiath could receive a suspension or at least a fine.

However, Jiath’s actions can be expected to be considered intentional given that the incident took place outside the game, meaning a suspension is more likely.

Paired with “high” contact and “low” impact, a willful conduct rating would mean Jiath is hit with a one-game suspension.

It would take the level of conduct to qualify as “careless” for Jiath to get away with a fine.

The Hawks are scheduled to face GWS next week in Launceston before a round 14 match against Richmond at the MCG in two weeks’ time.

MRO will broadcast its results from Saturday’s matches on Sunday evening.