Lachie Hunter fined for odd interchange bench ‘gesture’

A Melbourne player has been sanctioned following one of the strangest incidents seen during a match this season.

Lachie Hunter ran up to the boundary line from the interchange bench in an apparent attempt to put off a Hawthorn opponent as he ran down the wing.

Melbourne wingman Lachie Hunter has been sanctioned by the AFL after a bizarre incident while he was on the interchange bench on Saturday.

Hunter has been fined $1500 for conduct deemed by the league to be unsportsmanlike behaviour during the second quarter of the Demons’ 54-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG.

The 28-year-old was on the interchange bench but ran up to the boundary line as a Hawthorn player ran past with the ball, appearing to yell at the player as he went past.

Hunter’s apparent attempt to put off the ball carrier was not looked upon kindly by the AFL, with Melbourne issued a “please explain” over the incident, a league statement read.

Melbourne wingman Lachie Hunter has been penalised after running towards the boundary line in an apparent attempt to put off a Hawthorn player while he was on the interchange bench.

“During the second quarter, Hunter left the Melbourne interchange area and approached the boundary line outside of the interchange gates, near where a Hawthorn player took possession of the football, where he gestured towards that player,” it read.

“The AFL has written to clubs today to remind them that such actions by players stationed in the interchange area are not appropriate.”

Melbourne has accepted the fine.

Former Bulldog Hunter has enjoyed a consistent start to his first season at Melbourne, playing every game and averaging 21 disposals and four marks as he forms a partnership with Ed Langdon on the wings.

The left footer has enjoyed more game time on the wide expanses of the MCG, starring with 23 disposals and two goals in the Demons’ huge victory over Sydney in round 3.

Originally published as Lachie Hunter fined for odd interchange bench ‘gesture’