North Melbourne veteran Michael Firrito has been charged by the AFL Match Review Panel for striking young Crow Mitch McGovern in last Thursday’s clash at Adelaide Oval.

Firrito felled McGovern with a strike to the mid-section off the ball during the third quarter of Adelaide’s 33-point win over the Kangaroos.

The MRP deemed the contact was intentional and of low impact, attracting a $1,500 fine.

Firrito can accept a reduced sanction of $1,000 with an early plea. He will be free to play in North Melbourne’s clash with West Coast after the Kangaroos’ mid-season bye.

Firrito was the only player charged by the MRP last round.

Full AFL Match Review Panel statement:

Michael Firrito, North Melbourne, has been charged with striking Mitch McGovern, Adelaide Crows, during the third quarter of the Round 14 match between North Melbourne and the Adelaide Crows, played at Adelaide Oval on Thursday June 23, 2016.

In summary, he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Adelaide Crows Football Club, the incident was assessed as intentional conduct with low impact to the body. The incident was classified as a $1500 sanction. The player has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. An early plea enables the player to accept a $1000 sanction.