Hawthorn defender Kyle Hartigan has escaped with a $2000 fine for his AFL cheap shot to the head of Geelong forward Tom Hawkins.
Hartigan clipped Hawkins from behind after the Cats spearhead had taken a mark during Geelong’s five-point win on Monday.
Hawkins was awarded a 50m penalty, while Hartigan was widely criticised for the act given the rising awareness about the devastating effects of hits to the head.
There were some calls for him to be suspended but the AFL’s match review officer assessed the incident as careless conduct, low impact, and high contact, drawing a $2000 fine with an early guilty plea.
It means Hartigan is free to play for the Hawks in Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
Geelong recruit Isaac Smith was issued a $1000 for an act of misconduct against Hawthorn’s Daniel Howe.
Hawks star Tom Mitchell copped a $1500 fine for striking Mark O’Connor.