Lions coach snaps after testy tribunal question

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has hit back after a reporter questioned him on the AFL Tribunal's decision to downgrade forward Charlie Cameron's rough conduct charge.

Cameron had his one-week suspension downgraded at the Tribunal, for his sling tackle against Melbourne defender Jake Lever during the Lions' 22-point win last Thursday night at the MCG.

The Lions goal sneak is now free to play against Geelong at the Gabba in their round six clash on Saturday night, with his ban moved down to a fine.

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His tackle, which was originally graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, was then downgraded to low impact due to "exceptional and compelling circumstances".

The small forward pleaded guilty, helping him downgrade the charge.

Cameron also has a clean record, which the Tribunal took into account when downgrading the charge.

Over his 207 games, he has never been slapped with a ban, but has paid five fines, three of them for rough conduct charges, similar to his most recent.

Fagan was questioned on the Tribunal's decision, saying his club doesn't regret utilising character references to help their livewire forward's case.

"If you're asking me was I surprised (by the final verdict), no I wasn't surprised that it was debated," Fagan told media on Friday.

AFL champion Eddie Betts provided a character reference for Cameron.

"When you go to the Tribunal, you use everything at your disposal to try and free up your player, which every club does, and if a bloke's got a good record, he's played 200 games and never been suspended for a match, you'd at least give that a mention, otherwise you'd be remiss in your duty to that player."

After explaining the steps the Lions took to ensure they could have their small forward line up against the Cats, Fagan was challenged on his take.

"They talked about it was at the low end of medium impact," Fagan said on Friday.

"I'm arguing to you that it was low impact.

"Oh well. Mate, interview the Tribunal. Don't interview me. I didn't make the decision, OK?"

The Lions also argued that Cameron is smaller than Lever, meaning his impact could be downgraded to low, considering the Demons defender did not require a HIA or miss any game time after the tackle.

Brisbane started their season 0-3, but have since won two games, giving them a 2-3 record heading into their clash against the Cats.