Dockers to fight Fyfe charge
UPDATE: Fremantle will go to the AFL Tribunal today to challenge young star Nat Fyfe's two-game suspension.
Fyfe was cited for striking Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis off the ball in the first quarter of the Dockers' 19-point win at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
Lewis left the field but recovered and played out the game, gathering 44 possessions. The incident was graded as intentional, high contact and low impact for a level-three striking offence.
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The tribunal will hear the matter second, following North Melbourne Brent Harvey's hearing for pinning Bulldog Liam Picken to the ground with a forearm to the throat.
If Fyfe's challenge is unsuccessful, he will miss Fremantle's final two home-and-away games and have 76.25 carryover points.
And the dynamic midfielder would also have his penalties increased by 40 per cent until round five next year, meaning any minor incidents in September would see him miss games.
A two-game suspension would force Fyfe out of Sunday's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba and the round-23 game against Port Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.
Richmond's Reece Conca was handed a two-game ban for his crude elbow to the back of Devon Smith's head in round 19. His hit was graded medium impact but he had no past record.
Fremantle are expected to argue that Fyfe's action was reckless, rather than intentional. They only risk more carryover points if they fail. If they are successful, the ban would be reduced to one match.
It is understood Fyfe was frustrated by umpiring decisions in the first quarter, as well as Hawthorn's tagging tactics against him.
He gave away four free kicks and a 50m penalty in the game.
Fyfe, who has been widely tipped to earn his first All- Australian jumper this season, is averaging close to 27 disposals and has booted 21 goals.
Former Fremantle tough nut Troy Cook said Fyfe's latest suspension was a reminder of how careful players had to be.
"With all the cameras on you now, if there is someone going down behind play I think you're going to be in trouble," Cook said.
"That goes with every player. He (Fyfe) probably now regrets it.
