Sydney’s Aaron Francis is set to miss next week’s clash with Fremantle after being offered a one-match suspension for striking Lachie Bramble during Friday night’s thriller against the Western Bulldogs.
Francis was cited for a third-quarter incident where he collected Bramble, one of the Dogs’ standout performers in recent weeks, with a body shot that left the midfielder worse for wear.
The Match Review Officer graded the hit as intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact, triggering the one-game ban.
Multiple Swans slapped with fines
It wasn’t Francis’ only brush with the MRO either. He and Bulldogs ruck-forward Rory Lobb were each fined twice for engaging in separate melees throughout the match, a fiery contest that saw tension boil over on several occasions.
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Both players were slugged with two $1500 fines, each reduced to $1000 with early pleas.
Tom Papley also copped a $1500 fine, downgradable to $1000, for kicking things off with a pre-bounce dust-up involving Sam Darcy.
Meanwhile, Isaac Heeney avoided suspension but wasn’t spared financially, offered a $3000 fine (down to $2000 with an early plea) for striking Ed Richards.
Francis is yet to confirm whether he will contest the striking charge, but unless successfully challenged, the utility will be sidelined for a pivotal fixture as the Swans try to hold their ground inside the top eight.