Greater Western Sydney’s title hopes have taken a hit, with Toby Greene referred directly to the AFL tribunal after being charged with serious misconduct in the fiery elimination-final win over the Western Bulldogs.
No details have been given in match review officer (MRO) Michael Christian’s findings, but vision has emerged of Greene grabbing at Marcus Bontempelli’s face. The pair had been wrestling on the turf in Saturday’s first quarter at Giants Stadium.
Greene will likely front a tribunal hearing – in person or via video link – on Tuesday evening at AFL House in Melbourne.
It is a major setback for GWS, with Greene having starred in the 58-point win over the Dogs to set up a knockout semi-final against Brisbane on Saturday night at the Gabba.
It is unclear how severe a penalty Greene can expect if found guilty. Then-Carlton player Jed Lamb was hit with a one-game ban last year for making unnecessary contact with the eye region of St Kilda’s Jade Gresham.
The incident is the latest in a string of heated exchanges in the increasingly fierce rivalry between the clubs.
Greene has been booed by Dogs fans since levelling a karate kick at then-Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus’ face and receiving a two-match ban in 2017 for striking Caleb Daniel.
Bontempelli escaped without penalty for a high bump on Nick Haynes in round 22 this season that left the Giant with a fractured larynx.
The Dogs’ superstar was physically targeted relentlessly by GWS throughout Saturday’s clash and was left bleeding from the mouth after a high hit by Harry Himmelberg. The Giant can accept a $2000 fine for the first-quarter incident.
Bulldogs Zaine Cordy and Matt Suckling were also fined $2000, Cordy for striking Matt de Boer and Suckling for making front-on contact with Jake Kelly.
In other MRO findings, Richmond’s Dylan Grimes was fined $1000 for staging in a much-debated first-quarter incident in the Tigers’ big qualifying final win against Brisbane.
Lions skipper Dayne Zorko was fined $1000 as well for staging, also in the first quarter.