AFL changed its explanation of Nat Fyfe incident after incorrectly sending draft version

ALL eyes were on whether Fremantle’s Brownlow Medallist and 2018 favourite Nat Fyfe would be given the all-clear from the AFL’s MRO. He was, but the League’s explanation changed markedly.

Nat Fyfe had no case to answer. Pic: Getty Images

THE AFL has conceded it made a “mistake” in a communique explaining the decision to clear Brownlow favourite Nat Fyfe of an incident that left St Kilda’s Jake Carlisle concussed on Saturday night.

Carlisle was knocked out early in the second quarter at Optus Stadium after Fyfe’s knee collected him in the head as he was contesting a ground ball.

An initial statement from the Match Review Officer tweeted by AFL media manager Patrick Keane on Monday afternoon concluded that Fyfe had sought “to make contact with the ball with his foot”.

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“As he reaches to the ball with his foot, contact is made with his knee to Carlisle’s head, as Carlisle reaches for the ball,” the statement said.

“It was the view of the Match Review Officer that Fyfe’s action was not careless and was not unreasonable in the circumstances.”

Nat Fyfe had no case to answer for his clash with Jake Carlisle. Pic: Getty Images

But the explanation changed markedly in a second statement released by the AFL at 5pm on Monday with all references to Fyfe attempting to make contact with the ball with his foot removed.

“Fyfe is approaching the contest from behind the pair of players on the ground and seeks to slow his pace towards the contest,” the altered statement said.

“As he reaches the players on the ground, Carlisle is rolling towards the Fremantle player and contact is made with his knee to Carlisle’s head. It was the view of the Match Review Officer that Fyfe’s action was not careless and was not unreasonable in the circumstances.”

Asked to explain the discrepancies in the two statements, AFL senior communications adviser Jay Allen said Keane had sent out a draft version of events that had not been approved by match review officer Michael Christian.

Jake Carlisle came off second best. Pic: Getty Images

“The AFL media statement is the Match Review Officer’s official explanation of all incidents assessed,” Allen said.

“A tweet published prior to this was an error. It has since been removed and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Fyfe is the outright $3.50 favourite to claim a second Brownlow Medal after eight rounds of action.

Third favourite, Hawthorn ball magnet Tom Mitchell ($4.50), was considered fortunate to escape suspension after an off-the-ball incident involving North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein in Round 5.

Fyfe was best afield against St Kilda. Pic: Getty Images

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The changes in the AFL’s public assessment of the Nat Fyfe-Jake Carlisle incident:

- AFL media manager Patrick Keane tweet, 4.42pm Monday

Fyfe is approaching the contest from behind the pair of players on the ground and seeks to make contact with the ball with his foot. As he reaches to the ball with his foot, contact is made with his knee to Carlisle’s head, as Carlisle reaches for the ball. It was the view of the Match Review Officer that Fyfe’s action was not careless and was not unreasonable in the circumstances.

- Official match review email sent by Keane, 5pm Monday

Fyfe is approaching the contest from behind the pair of players on the ground and seeks to slow his pace towards the contest. As he reaches the players on the ground, Carlisle is rolling towards the Fremantle player and contact is made with his knee to Carlisle’s head. It was the view of the Match Review Officer that Fyfe’s action was not careless and was not unreasonable in the circumstances.

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