Gold Coast’s McLaughlin banned for one game in AFLW

Niamh McLaughlin’s fierce tackle on Brisbane forward Sophie Conway has cost the Gold Coast player a one-game AFLW suspension.

Conway pounced on a loose ball early in the second term of Saturday’s Q-Clash at Springfield and McLaughlin drove her to the ground, leaving the Lions player dazed.

The tackle was typical of the pressure the Suns put on the reigning premiers.

Conway was paid a free and kicked a goal from an acute angle, as Brisbane held off Gold Coast’s impressive challenge to win by 16 points and maintain their perfect women’s record against the Suns.

McLaughlin’s rough conduct charge was graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.

Also, Hawthorn defender Ainslie Kemp escaped with a fine for striking West Coast forward Kellie Gibson.

The pair engaged in a push-and-shove as tempers flared late in the Hawks’ emphatic win on Saturday.

Kemp caught Gibson with a jab to the sternum, forcing the Eagles player from the field. She can accept a $250 fine with an early plea.

Port Adelaide’s Piper Window (umpire contact) and Collingwood veteran Brittany Bonnici (tripping) were also fined after the Power beat the Magpies on Thursday at Alberton.