The match review officer categorised the headbutt as intentional,high and medium impact,which results in two matches. The Bulldogs could attempt to have the impact downgraded as Tuohy played out the game. However,they know “the potential to cause serious injury” clause the AFL now applies,when high contact is made,has made it difficult for clubs to prove the impact was low rather than medium.
If the Western Bulldogs appeal and aren’t successful they will lose $10,000 out of their football department cap.
Smith’s act at three-quarter time shocked observers,however,Tuohy toldFox Footy post-game he had no issue with the incident and the pair had shaken hands post-game.
“Emotions were getting the better of the both of us. I think I was pulling and dragging at him as much as he was at me. There was nothing in it,” Tuohy said.
“When the game gets so close,and we had a big lead cut back to a small margin,emotions get high. It was all love at the end.”
But the AFL saw the incident differently after Tuohy reeled back from the contact and emerged with a lump on his forehead. The league also fined Tuohy $1000 for his involvement in the incident as he rubbed his head into Smith’s.