The AFL is investigating an interaction between a Collingwood fan and Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) youngster Harvey Johnston at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Early in the last quarter of the Eagles’ dismal 66-point thrashing at the hands of the reigning premiers, Johnston was hugged and patted on the back by a Magpies supporter in the crowd.
The young West Coast midfielder had collected the ball on the boundary line and run towards the fence to slow down.
As he came to a stop, the fan reached out with two hands and embraced Johnston’s head with a rub and a pat on the back before taking the ball out of his hands.
Johnston looked unperturbed by the friendly interaction and promptly returned to play as the fan handballed the ball to the boundary umpire.
AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed the league were looking into the incident on Monday.
The fan faces a potential fine or could even be banned from attending AFL matches.
Johnston made his second appearance as an Eagle from the sub bench after speedy forward Jack Petruccelle was taken out of the one-sided contest with an ankle injury.
The 18-year-old ended the match with eight disposals and three marks.
Johnston was a part of West Coast’s 2023 draft haul that included teen sensation Harley Reid and made his debut in the six-point loss to the Bombers at Optus Stadium in round eight.