The punishment has to fit the crime.

Not everyone is going to necessarily agree 100 per cent, in fact it would be a rare circumstance, but the universal stance we have witness on incidents that have the potential to cause serious injury in the past month has been refreshing.

Most would have to agree former AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour’s Victorian suburban league punch on an unsuspecting opponent during a melee fully warranted the resulting 14-week suspension.

That punishment effectively banned Fahour from playing football again as it pushed him over the national 16-week threshold permitted throughout a player’s career.

It was on the high-end scale – he has been charged by Victoria Police. Tribunals have been dealing with these incidents for generations, but that type of strike is completely unacceptable.

Acts of the like are not only dangerous but they brand AFL to the onlooker, particularly those that don’t have the sport in their blood or parents of children thinking of playing footy. The AFL took a dim view of Melbourne midfielder Tomas Bugg and Richmond defender Bachar Houli’s whacks.

The Northern Tasmanian Football Association tribunal has also had some acts to deal with and it has ensured the strong stand has been upheld – handing out six to seven week penalties on several occasions. While not a hefty blow, a remorseful Lauderdale player received six weeks by the State League tribunal for one of the most sickening tackles in living memory on a Launceston opponent.

To paraphrase Blues coach Sam Lonergan and NTFA president Paul Reynolds, the buck stops here before someone is seriously hurt.

Aussie rules is not a boxing or wrestling ring, the football is the entertainment.

It would be a tragedy if a draft prospect – or anyone for that matter – was unable to play the game again because a team was trying to rough up the opposition or an opponent couldn’t contain his inner thuggery.

Most of the time there are 15 to 18-year-olds running around against seasoned bodies in the NTFA and TSL, and all players must have a responsibility to provide a duty of care.

Particularly in an age where women are becoming increasingly involved in the traditionally male-dominated sport, and more importantly, considering participation numbers have shrunk.

Regional media often get criticised for reporting on incidents because it’s a bad look for the sport, association, club or individuals involved.

But perhaps if it’s seen as part of the punishment, there will be less to hand out.