Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Adelaide defender Max Michalanney is set to miss the start of next season after receiving a one-match ban for striking, while Brisbane star Cameron Rayner has been sanctioned for another staging incident.
Rayner has been offered a $3125 fine, which can be downgraded to $1875 with an early guilty plea, for a staging offence during Brisbane’s 53-point semi-final win over Adelaide on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old’s first staging charge came earlier this year when he flopped to the turf after receiving the slightest of nudges from GWS forward Jake Riccardi in a ruck contest. He was fined $1000.
Rayner kicked a goal from the ensuing free kick, raising the ire of GWS players and fans alike, with Giants coach Adam Kingsley laughing in disbelief.
In last year’s qualifying final against Geelong, Rayner was also accused by fans of diving when he fell to the ground after a slight nudge from Geelong’s Mark O’Connor in an incident 150m off the ball.
Rayner kicked the goal, then received another free kick in the goal square for being pushed over by angry Geelong players.
Although Rayner was cleared of staging for that first free kick against the Cats, the AFL later conceded the umpire got it wrong.
Rayner wasn’t the only Lion to be fined for staging after Saturday’s win over Adelaide, with Dayne Zorko whacked with a $1000 fine for his first staging offence.
Michalanney’s first-quarter punch to the mid-riff of Charlie Cameron was classified as intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact, drawing a one-match ban for the Crows backman.
Unless Adelaide overturn the ban, Michalanney will miss round one next year.
