The Brisbane Lions were fined $20,000 following a breach of the AFLW’s concussion protocols during their victorious Grand Final match.

The Brisbane Lions have been fined $20,000 for violating the AFL’s concussion guidelines during their 17-point AFLW grand final victory against North Melbourne in December.

The fine, resulting from an incident involving forward Sophie Conway, was imposed for what was deemed a “non-deliberate” breach.

During the third quarter with approximately three minutes remaining, the AFL’s concussion medical spotter signaled to Brisbane that Conway required assessment after appearing unsteady on the field.

However, the Lions’ doctor did not receive the message, and Conway continued to play out the remainder of the quarter.

It was only at three-quarter time that the doctor was informed and subsequently conducted an assessment of Conway. She explained to him that her loss of balance was due to physical exhaustion rather than any contact with another player.

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During the time the Brisbane doctor was reviewing video footage, Conway returned to the field without undergoing a SCAT5 assessment.

However, Conway was eventually taken off the field early in the final quarter to undergo the SCAT5 test, which confirmed she did not have a concussion.

Despite Conway not experiencing a concussion, the AFL imposed a fine on the Lions for an unintentional breach of the protocols.

A portion of the $10,000 fine will be included in Brisbane’s AFLW Soft Cap, with the remaining $10,000 suspended.