22 players banned after mass brawl

AUSTRALIAN Rules sporting officials have banned 22 players for a total of more than 400 matches following an all-in brawl last September involving players, fans and officials.

The punch-up at the North Queensland AFL grand final between the North Cairns Tigers and the Port Douglas Crocs sparked the lengthiest investigation in the history of the Australian code.

The Crocs had complained the Tigers’ charged at them after the pre-match national anthem ended. The melee continued after kick off, when spectators and coaching staff became involved.