George Hewett under fire for 'cheap' act on Lachie Neale as AFL fans erupt

George Hewett could find themselves in hot water with AFL great Jonathan Brown believing the league could set an example of the Carlton star after an ugly incident in his team's win on Friday night. AFL fans are divided over the clash that appeared to show Hewett's arm striking Lachie Neale's neck/chin during a scuffle.

Neale reacted as he grabbed his face, before striking Hewett in the stomach. The move comes as the AFL doubled down on their striking rule in pre-season with a player not able to make contact with a rival's head even in the act of fending off an opponent.

Hewett could find himself in trouble heading into the second round as he appeared to make contact with Neale's chin. This could be deemed 'intentional' under the AFL's new tribunal rules and land him in hot water.

And Lions legend Brown has claimed the AFL will use this as an example to all the other players and set a precedent for the remainder of the season. “It’s hard to know at the start of the season because usually they establish the benchmarks,” Brown said on Fox Footy.

“I don’t think he was trying to punch him hard. I don’t think he deserves to get suspended, but I understand the AFL’s take on community standards.” Garry Lyon admitted this type of incident has not warranted as much attention in recent years, but times have changed in the AFL.

“No one’s been suspended (for these types of incidents). You’ve had open slather for little tricky gut punches for the last 15 or 20 years, you could write a cheque for $1500 and give one to the guts,” Lyon added. “But there’s been talk about a change in community standards. So community standards might now turn around and say: ‘You can’t punch him in the neck.’”

AFL fans divided on brutal George Hewett drama

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley didn't think Hewett needed to worry. “The initial contact was halfway up the upper arm and slipped up. Maybe a fine or slap on the wrist, but I don’t think there was enough contact in that," he said. And the debate also continued amongst AFL fans who are torn over the incident in the first round of the 2024 competition.

Many felt the contact was minimal and doesn't deserve a week suspension. Others felt Neale's reaction was also unnecessary. While plenty believed any contact to the head, under the new concussion protocols, should see Hewett in trouble.

Lions loss compounded with sad Keidean Coleman injury

Carlton managed to reel off eight-straight goals in the Friday night clash to comeback and win (86) 12.13 (85) loss to end a 14-game winning streak at the Gabba. Unfortunately to compound Brisbane's devastated loss, Keidean Coleman was helped from the field at halftime on Friday after a nasty incident. Coleman's left leg clashed with Carlton tackler Lachie Fogarty as he took a kick.

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Coleman was believed to have hyper-extended his knee in the ugly incident. However, in a sad update, coach Chris Fagan delivered the news of a likely season-ending injury speaking after the game. And the injury was confirmed on Saturday with the superstar set to miss the remainder of the season.

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