AFL Barwon has implemented a new process for its tribunal hearings, with players set to miss extra games if they unsuccessfully challenge a ban.
The Victorian governing body implemented changes to the existing framework, which has moved from tribunals having discretion in implementing penalties for players who appeared before them.
Wilson confirmed that method had been scrapped at the AFL Barwon level, instead moving to a grading system that mirrors the elite level.
Intentional Conduct suspension gradings
Careless Conduct suspension gradings
“It’s a new framework that has been implemented at the local level, it’s an AFL Victoria directive to change the system for reportable offences,” he said.
“There is now a greater alignment for the reporting and reviewing phase of penalties, moving through to greater consistency at the outcome phase.
“It will add greater clarity to the process, sometimes these processes can be quite complex in nature.
“We want to be consistent in nature, and that seems to be working so far this season.”
The change comes alongside new implemented punishments for abusive fans, with the Heathcote District Football Netball League already threatening fans of one side with a lifetime ban from local football after abuse was thrown at umpires last month.
Wilson said similar punishments could be handed out to supporters in the Geelong region if a successful investigation could confirm the perpetrator.
“It is a tricky matter, there is absolutely no place for abuse, but it can be challenging identifying the culprits,” he said.
“It is typically one person in a crowd, which can be more challenging.
“There has been no major incident this season thankfully, there was a minor incident two weeks ago which is being investigated.
“We rely on people in the crowd reporting the behaviour to officials in the area.”