The AFL Match Review Panel has charged young Crow Matt Crouch and Geelong’s Steven Motlop for wrestling during Saturday night’s match at Simonds Stadium.

Tempers flared between the pair in the early minutes of the fourth term as Crouch and Motlop grappled against one another.

Other players including Brodie Smith, Sam Jacobs, Jimmy Bartel and ex-Crow Patrick Dangerfield all came in late to try to break up the fracas, but were not cited by the MRP.

Crouch was awarded a free kick following the incident.

Crouch and Motlop have both accepted reduced fines of $1,000 with early guilty pleas. Both men are free to play in Round 19.

 

Full Match Review Panel statement:
Matt Crouch,
Adelaide Crows, has been charged with wrestling Steven Motlop, Geelong Cats, during the fourth quarter of the Round 18 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats, played at Simond Stadium on Saturday July 23, 2016.

In summary, his $1500 sanction can be reduced to a $1000 sanction with an early guilty plea.

A first offence for wrestling was classified as a $1500 sanction. The player has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. An early plea enables the player to accept a $1000 sanction.

Steven Motlop, Geelong Cats, has been charged with wrestling Matt Crouch, Adelaide Crows, during the fourth quarter of the Round 18 match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows, played at Simond Stadium on Saturday July 23, 2016.

In summary, his $1500 sanction can be reduced to a $1000 sanction with an early guilty plea.

A first offence for wrestling was classified as a $1500 sanction. The player has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. An early plea enables the player to accept a $1000 sanction.