Port Adelaide v North Melbourne: Ben Cunnington cops two striking charges

James Pavey

Port Adelaide v North Melbourne: Ben Cunnington cops two striking charges image

North Melbourne can afford to reach for some sighs of relief with midfielder Ben Cunnington escaping with fines following Friday's game in Adelaide.

Cunnington was offered two fines for separate striking incidents following his side's 16-point defeat to Port Adelaide.

The first incident - against Robbie Gray during the first quarter - was assessed as intentional conduct with low impact to the body. 

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The second incident was much more dicey, with Cunnington elbowing Brad Ebert in the jaw during the third quarter.

However, it was graded as careless with low impact to the head. 


 

Both striking offences will put Cunnington $6000 out of pocket - $3000 each - should he take an early guilty plea. 


Teammate Jasper Pittard can also accept a fine after being charged with striking Connor Rozee in the first quarter.

While the charge carries a $2500 fine for a first offence, it will drop to $1500 should Pittard take an early guilty plea.

North Melbourne will be desperate to atone for their fifth loss of the season when they take on Carlton on Sunday week.

 

James Pavey

James Pavey Photo