Players are calling for the AFL to reduce the size of fines handed out by the match review officer after a string of financial penalties have prompted some to comment it would be better off suspended.
The AFL Players Association says players have told the union they believe they are being hit with excessive fines, out of proportion to their indiscretion, and want transparency to show how money is being spent around the league.
Port Adelaide's Zak Butters has racked up almost $30,000 in fines over the course of his career.Credit: Getty Images
The league has handed out $263,250 in fines so far this season, according to AFLPA records, already a third more than last year, with nine full rounds and finals still to play. The AFLPA hopes the issue will be raised by players when it visits clubs next week.
The AFL increased the fines this season in line with the wage increases in the new pay deal, despite opposition from the AFLPA, which did not believe there was a disciplinary problem that required more severe financial penalties to put cure it The AFL declined to comment on the size of the fines.
loading
Port Adelaide star Zak Butters alone has already been hit with $14,375 this year, the equivalent of 60 minimum speed limit offences, taking his fine to $29,375. It's a charge shy of eclipsing Toby Greene's record fee of $31,850, although at just 23 he is well placed to overtake the Greater Western Sydney veteran late in his career.
Butters was fined $10,000 this week, reduced to $6,250 with his first plea, for an intentional low impact blow to the body. Such acts usually carry a fine of $2500, although Butters was punished for being a repeat offender for a fourth offense. Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe also accepted a $6,250 fine for hitting of a similar degree, for a third offence.
The players' union would not dwell on individual cases, but believes fines of more than $6,000 are excessive.
“We are concerned about the size of the fines,” AFLPA general manager of player and stakeholder relations Brett Murphy said.
