Overview

• The Adelaide Crows were hit with a $7,500 fine after players continued using prohibited metal studs following league warnings.
• Ben Keays received a $5,000 penalty for wearing metal studs in four additional games and Josh Rachele was fined $2,500 after two further breaches.
• The AFL issued a June 4 memo and a formal ‘please explain’ letter under regulation 4.8 as part of its stepped enforcement process.
• Executive General Manager Laura Kane warned that metal studs pose a significant risk of serious injury and violate player safety protocols.
• By excluding the club fine from its soft cap, the AFL reinforced that rule adherence takes priority over salary management.