Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has publicly criticized the AFL following a $1000 fine imposed on forward Will Lewis for staging. Beveridge's remarks come after Lewis was penalized for an incident involving Sydney's Nick Blakey during their round 17 match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Controversy Over Medical Reports

Beveridge expressed his discontent with the AFL's decision, stating that the league disregarded the club's medical report, which indicated that Lewis was unable to breathe after being struck in the solar plexus. The coach emphasized that Lewis's fall to the ground was a genuine reaction to the impact and not an act of staging.

AFL's Staging Policy Under Fire

The Bulldogs challenged the fine at the Tribunal, but the ruling was upheld. Beveridge argued that the AFL's stance sends a troubling message regarding the validity of medical assessments provided by clubs. He stated, "What the AFL are saying to us is if you get hit, regardless if you do or don't, if you stay down, you can still be charged with staging."

Beveridge lamented the shift in the interpretation of staging, suggesting that it now hinges more on the duration a player remains on the ground rather than the actual contact received. He expressed concern for Lewis, stating, "I feel for him because I don't want him to be tarred with a brush that..."