FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says Nat Fyfe's history of shoulder issues was probably the reason behind his ill-fated decision to bump Gold Coast's Michael Rischitelli on Saturday night.

Fyfe is facing a two-match ban after the AFL Match Review Panel found him guilty of rough conduct for his bump that resulted in a clash of heads with Rischitelli.
Both players were forced off the field with open gashes after the incident, and the MRP deemed Fyfe was responsible for the head clash because he chose to bump instead of tackle.

Fyfe and Dawson cited by MRP

Fyfe was one of the favourites to win this year's Brownlow Medal, and the Dockers may be tempted to challenge the rough conduct charge given the penalty will remain at two matches even if he fails at the tribunal.

Lyon said Fyfe, who had endured numerous problems with his shoulders over the years, hadn't meant any malice when he chose to bump.

"It's a product of his shoulder injury. When he should tackle, he tends to just protect (his shoulder) and move in with his body," Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR.
"There wasn't any real intention with Nathan. But the reality is there's a rule, and there's an action that he's done."


Defender Zac Dawson is facing a one-match ban for tripping Brandon Matera in the 48-point win over the Suns.

The absence of both Fyfe and Dawson would be a huge blow for the Dockers heading into Friday night's grand final rematch against Hawthorn at the MCG.

But the Hawks have plenty of personnel issues themselves, with premiership stars Luke Hodge (groin), Sam Mitchell (calf), Brad Sewell (hamstring) and Ben Stratton (hamstring) all needing to prove their fitness.