AFL

Eagles star banned, Lions defender escapes with a fine

By Justin Chadwick

Jul 19, 2026

West Coast co-captain Liam Baker has received a one-match ban for his high late hit on Brisbane's Cam Rayner.

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But Lions defender Noah Answerth is free to play next Sunday against Port Adelaide after escaping with a fine for his late bump on Harley Reid.

Tempers flared in the fourth quarter of Brisbane's 24-point win in Perth on Saturday night when Baker jumped off the ground and bumped Rayner high as the Lions star attempted a mark.

The incident was classified as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, drawing a one-match ban.

Baker will miss Friday night's western derby against Fremantle unless he can overturn or reduce the charge.

Answerth was reported for a late bump that flattened Reid, but he can escape with a $2000 fine with an early guilty plea.

His Lions teammate Kai Lohmann was fined for staging, while Brisbane forward Logan Morris and Eagles defender Rhett Bazzo were fined for wrestling.

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps was also fined for staging, while Melbourne's Max Heath can escape with a $2000 fine for a rough conduct charge.

Earlier in the round, Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty was offered a three-match suspension for his swinging arm tackle that concussed Swans defender Harry Cunningham.