Carlton's Cerra Fined $5,550 for Fourth Umpire Contact Offense at AFL Tribunal

Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra was fined $5,550 after becoming the first player to face the AFL Tribunal under the league's new crackdown on umpire contact, following his fourth offense in two years during a game against Brisbane. The AFL had pushed for a $6,250 fine to set a stronger precedent, while Carlton argued for the $5,000 prescribed fine, leading to a tribunal decision that split the difference. Cerra pleaded guilty but did not provide evidence, and his representation argued it would be unfair to penalize him for incidents beyond his control and criticized the tribunal process. The AFL Tribunal chair emphasized the message that repeated careless umpire contact offenses may not always result in harsher penalties. Meanwhile, North Melbourne's Xerri unsuccessfully challenged a three-match ban after a striking charge on Melbourne's Tom Sparrow, with the tribunal upholding the suspension. These disciplinary actions highlight the AFL's intensified efforts to address player conduct and umpire safety during matches.