Hawthorn skipper learns fate after kicking Bomber

James Sicily’s one match ban for kicking Essendon’s Andrew McGrath has been downgraded to a fine, with the Hawthorn skipper winning his Tribunal appeal on Tuesday night.

Sicily was sanctioned for kicking following an incident during the Hawks’ 24-point loss to the Bombers on Saturday.

The Hawks leader’s action was graded as intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact, with one week on the sidelines offered as a punishment.

It has been downgraded to a $2500 fine, meaning he’ll be available for selection for Hawthorn’s round two match against Melbourne.

The Tribunal explained that the 29-year-old’s kick was not forceful enough to cause damage to McGrath, hence their decision to reduce the sanction.

James Sicily gave away a free kick for this act on McGrath.

The decision followed McGrath speaking out on Monday about the kick, declaring that he did not actually feel Sicily’s boot in his back.

“After every incident our club doctor calls us to see if there are any medical ramifications or any soreness, my report to him was that there’s nothing,” McGrath said on SEN Radio.

“I’ve got no bruise, no nothing.”

Meanwhile, Essendon defender Mason Redman accepted his one-match suspension for rough contact during the match after his hand connected with Jai Newcombe’s jaw in another melee in the second quarter.

Redman was charged with striking with the action graded as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact.