The AFL has dampened Geelong star Tom Hawkin’s 350th celebrations, with the league confirming that they are investigating the forward for looking at a phone during a lightning delay.
The Cat’s 36-point Easter Monday victory over traditional rivals Hawthorn was delayed for 46 minutes as wild weather struck the MCG, with both teams sent back to the change rooms.
Vision captured by a Channel 7 camera during the break shows a Geelong staffer handing Hawkins a phone to look at.
He stares intently at the device before handing it back.
AFL players are not permitted to use a phone at the ground on game days, and the incident could result in a $1000 fine.
The Cats say they were within the rules because it was one of the 10 staff phones allowed at the game and maintain they were simply looking at the radar.
“So our player development manager – I asked him about the radar and wanted to get a look at what was coming our way,” Hawkins told Channel 7 Melbourne after the match.
“Mark, I think, ’s allowed it, so we’ll see.”
The Cats fought off a determined Hawthorn in the final quarter to clinch a six-goal win, with Hawkins booting three goals.
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