Dusty escapes suspension for his ‘amicable’ contact

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has escaped a suspension for contacting an umpire.

Richmond's Dustin Martin tells field umpire Jacob Mollison to look at the big screen. Picture: Michael Klein.

Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin has escaped a suspension for contacting an umpire on Sunday, in part because of the amicable nature of his conversation with the official.

Match review officer Michael Christian said he also took into account a precedent set by the AFL Tribunal earlier this year when opting against referring the Tiger for further adjudication.

Martin is the latest player to have his behaviour scrutinised as contact between players and umpires draws attention this year.

The 26-year-old, who is third favourite to claim a second Brownlow Medal this year, was instead fined $1500 for contact with umpire Jacob Mollison.

Martin was photographed with his forearm resting on Mollison as he attempted to demonstrate what had occurred in a contest just before the incident.

Christian spoke to Mollison, who said there was nothing sinister in the action.

“Because those guidelines around umpire contact are not specific ... we’ve decided to interpret those guidelines … as being when a player disrespectfully, aggressively, dismissively or forcefully intentionally touches an umpire,” he said