Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson said Ben Stratton was regretful of his behaviour against Essendon on Friday night and backed the captain to respond accordingly.
"He was obviously remorseful for his actions. He's a player that plays on the edge," Clarkson said on AFL 360 on Monday night.
"Is this outside the rules of the game and untoward? Of course, it was.
“Ben put his hand up and acknowledged that … and he throws himself to the mercy of the Tribunal system."
The four-time premiership coach admitted that, given the level of public scrutiny the incidents have received, he feared the defender wouldn’t receive a fair judgement.
"Unfortunately, given the hysteria of this, it's going to be a significant case of trial by media.”
Asked about the likelihood of Jarryd Roughead earning a senior recall before the year is out, Clarkson said his selection would rely on numerous factors.
"It depends on the season. I think there's sentiment involved in footy. If it's an appropriate time and all the stars are aligned that way there's a chance it could happen," he said.
"We'd (have to weigh up) where's our season at? Who's he going to be replacing in the side to give him that game? Is it appropriate? Does he want to do it? What time of the season is it? Who are you playing against? Is it at the MCG or down in Tassie?
"I'd actually prefer 'Roughy' to actually finish his career in the seniors on (his) terms. I still think there's every chance he'll do that."
