Bulldogs’ forward Johnstone pleaded guilty to a rough conduct report against Kyneton vice-captain Hamish Govan and was suspended for three games.

Following the hearing Kyneton president Rob Waters described the penalty as “a bit light to me” given Govan suffered a fractured cheekbone from the round eight incident and is likely to miss at least six weeks.

“While the board understands Kyneton may be upset at the decision handed down by the independent tribunal, we by no way support or condone the criticism levelled at them in the public arena as played out this week,” BFNL manager Dennis Bice said.

“Media comments made regarding the independent tribunal in such a way do not assist or help in any way.

“The BFNL supports and respects the integrity of the independent tribunal process and procedure in dealing with matters that are presented to them.”