EXCLUSIVE: AFL launches investigation after bottle thrown onto field during St Kilda-North Melbourne clash
The AFL has launched an investigation into a fan who threw a water bottle over the fence in the final moments of St Kilda's win over North Melbourne.
Saints forward Max Hall was awarded a 50m penalty on the siren, kicking a goal from the goal line, with a bottle thrown in his direction in the aftermath.
A 23-year-old fan was banned from AFL and AFLW games for life after a bottle he threw hit and injured a goal umpire.
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The fan last year was a Carlton member, with the bottle leaving the goal umpire with a nasty cut on his head.
He required medical attention and was replaced on the field.
The bottle thrown onto the field. Fox Footy
This time around, the bottle did not hit the goal umpire or Hall, but was clearly thrown in their direction.
Nine's chief AFL reporter Tom Morris said the AFL believes the fan was part of the North Melbourne cheer squad.
"No bottle touched the goal umpire unlike last year," Morris told 9News Melbourne.
"The AFL was investigating the incident yesterday. No police are involved either.
"North Melbourne is involved in the discussion and cooperating with the AFL."
A fan earlier in 2025 received a five-year ban from AFL games for sending what was deemed a threatening text via the MCG's anti-social hotline.
