Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton faces an AFL misconduct fine for repeatedly pinching Essendon opponent Orazio Fantasia.
Stratton is certain to come under match review scrutiny for his tactics on Fantasia during Friday night’s match at Marvel Stadium.
The back of Fantasia’s upper left arm was covered in bruises by the end of the game and while he did not retaliate, the Bombers goalsneak also did not let Stratton off the hook in a post-game interview.
“I have a couple of bruises on the arm – Stratts loves to pinch and he’s a really good defender, so to come back and play on him, I knew I was in for a tough night,” Fantasia told Channel Seven.
“You can’t do anything. He’s a really good defender, he has all the tricks in the book.
“Every time I play on him, I know it’s a tough one.”
Fantasia’s teammate, Cale Hooker, was also unimpressed with the tactic.
“It comes as a surprise, usually the good players don’t have to get involved in that stuff and Ben Stratton is a pretty good player,” Hooker told 3AW.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said he would speak to Stratton before commenting.
“I haven’t seen anything, so I will have a chat to him either Saturday or Sunday and see what’s occurred there,” Clarkson said.
“I wouldn’t like to comment until I speak to Stratts – once I speak to Stratts I will have a better feel for what my attitude is to it.”
Fantasia returned from injury and despite Stratton’s attentions, kicked two goals in the Essendon win.
Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley was fined $1200 six years ago for pinching North Melbourne great Brent Harvey.