Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Gold Coast Suns have been fined $20,000 by the AFL after Daniel Rioli was found guilty of careless contact with an umpire during last weekend’s loss to Geelong. The incident marked the fifth umpire contact offence involving a Suns player this season, triggering league sanctions under rules introduced before the 2026 AFL campaign. The penalty highlights the AFL’s ongoing effort to reduce avoidable contact with umpires and improve on field safety.
The fine was confirmed on Wednesday after the AFL Tribunal upheld the charge against Rioli on Tuesday night.
Rioli incident triggers AFL sanction
Rioli’s offence occurred during the Suns’ 45 point defeat to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in Round 15.
After reviewing the incident, the AFL charged the defender with careless contact involving an umpire. The Tribunal later upheld the charge, resulting in the Suns reaching the threshold that the AFL had previously warned clubs about.
Prior to the season, and again in May, the AFL reminded clubs that repeated incidents of careless umpire contact could lead to financial penalties. Five incidents were identified as the point at which sanctions could be applied.
As a result, Gold Coast became the first club this season to receive a fine under the policy.
AFL concerned by growing trend
The AFL has expressed concern over the number of umpire contact incidents occurring across the competition.
General Manager of Football Performance Greg Swann said the league remained focused on protecting umpires and reducing unnecessary contact during matches.
“This season, we have continued to observe a high number of umpire contact incidents across the league,” Swann said.
“Amongst these instances of umpire contact, a number have resulted in significant injuries to the affected umpires.”
“This is a trend in the game which we do not want to see continue.”
The AFL has increasingly emphasised umpire welfare in recent years, with concerns growing over both accidental and careless contact incidents.
Further penalties remain possible
While the Suns have now received a $20,000 fine, the AFL indicated that additional sanctions could follow if further offences occur.
Swann confirmed the league would retain discretion to impose future penalties should more Gold Coast players be found guilty of careless umpire contact during the remainder of the season.
The warning serves as a reminder to all AFL clubs about the importance of maintaining awareness around umpires during play.
As the season enters its second half, clubs will likely place greater emphasis on avoiding unnecessary contact to prevent further disciplinary action and financial penalties.