Toby Greene: GWS forward cops big fine over Marcus Bontempelli incident

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Toby Greene: GWS forward cops big fine over Marcus Bontempelli incident image

GWS star Toby Greene is free to play against Brisbane on Saturday night after being hit with a $7,500 fine at the AFL tribunal on Monday.

The 25-year-old had been sent directly to the tribunal by the Match Review Officer following footage of Greene remonstrating with Western Bulldogs’ gun Marcus Bontempelli during Saturday's elimination final.

Footage had picked up Greene diving into Bontempelli, before appearing to dig his fingers into his face multiple times and grab him by the hair.

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There were many calling for Greene to be handed a length suspension given the dynamic forward's poor track record, having accrued over $18, 000 worth of fines and being banned six times since he was picked up in the 2011 draft.

At the tribunal on Monday night, Greene pleaded guilty to serious misconduct, showing remorse when giving evidence and admitting he'd "overstepped the mark".

Greene was also helped by the Bulldogs' medical report which said Bontempelli required no further treatment.

Both AFL counsel Jeff Gleeson and Greene's representatives agreed that a significant fine would be an appropriate sanction, with the panel taking 12 minutes to come up with the final figure.

The latest sanction takes Greene's career total fines to $26,350.

The Giants and Greene are now set to travel to the Gabba where they will face off against the Lions in the semi final, where the winner will progress to play Collingwood in the preliminary final at the MCG.

 

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