Hawks players tight-lipped as AFL integrity unit investigates fiery post-match melee
Updated . First published
The AFL is investigating several players' actions during a fiery post-match melee following Brisbane's six-point qualifying final victory over Hawthorn on Sunday.
A Lions spokesperson has confirmed the integrity unit is investigating several incidents that occurred after the tense 6.3 (38) to 4.8 (32) AFLW clash, with both clubs electing to leave all action in the hands of the governing body.
As the final siren rang out, Lions duo Dakota Davidson and Charlotte Mullins abandoned their celebrations to diffuse a fiery tussle involving Hawthorn's Tilly Lucas-Rodd.
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Players from both sides came together post-match AFL Photos via Getty Images
Vision of the incident appeared to show Lucas-Rodd exchanging words with Lions midfielder Nat Grider, with a bit of push-and-shove involved, before teammates rushed to separate the pair.
Umpires attempted to move players on but the 28-year-old Hawk was not finished.
Lucas-Rodd was spotted pushing Mullins in the back again, reigniting the melee.
In the days since, the Hawks have been coy on the details surrounding the incident.
When probed, vice-captain Eliza West remained tight-lipped, noting the team's sole focus is on their upcoming game.
"Obviously something did happen after the game, we could all see that, but nothing I can comment on," she said on Thursday.
Tilly Lucas-Rodd in action for the Hawks in the second qualifying final match. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"The higher-ups will obviously deal with that. At the moment, as a playing group, we're just focusing on the game ahead."
Youngster Jasmine Fleming was on the bench and had no part in the altercation but stated that the club and the AFL were "taking care" of the matter.
"I think [we'll] probably put it behind us," Fleming told media.
"I think it was a very hot contest of footy, I think everyone could see that, but it was such a good contest of footy.
"If we do come up against them again, I just can't wait because I know it's going to be a great brand of footy from both teams."
The two teams could potentially meet again this season — in the competition's grand final — if Hawthorn keeps its premiership campaign alive by defeating Port Adelaide in its elimination final this Sunday night.
Players from the Lions and Hawks tussle after the final siren. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Speaking post-match, Hawks coach Daniel Webster claimed the melee occurred in response to a targeted attack on one of his players.
"I'm not sure what was said, but generally, when there's a reaction like what our girls had, that generally means something might have been there," he said.
Asked if the incident may have been sparked by an alleged comment directed at Emily Bates, a former Lion who now serves as the Hawks captain, Webster admitted that he did not know.
"She is fine [following the incident]," he said of his club's skipper.
Lions coach Craig Starcevich conceded the incident was "not the way you want to finish the game".
The Lions have a week off before they will host the winner of the Crows and Dockers in their semi final at Norwood Oval on Saturday afternoon.
