Is Gary Ablett's victory at the AFL tribunal - and similar wins for Dustin Martin, Shane Mumford and Mason Cox - proof that the system works?
Or does the 55 per cent success rate for players who have fronted the tribunal in 2019 undermine the findings of match review officer Michael Christian?
Geelong star Ablett on Tuesday night became the fifth player this season to have a suspension downgraded or reduced to a fine.
Fellow Brownlow Medallist and Richmond star Dustin Martin notably convinced the tribunal to halve his two-match suspension for striking.
Four other players have lost their appeals, including Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker for a rough conduct charge during the pre-season competition.
Ablett had never previously been suspended in his illustrious 328-game career, and the tribunal jury took just three minutes to find him not guilty of intentionally striking Essendon opponent Dylan Shiel during Sunday's game at the MCG.
The two-time Brownlow Medallist was instead charged with careless conduct and fined $2000 over the incident in which he arrived late to a contest and caught Shiel in the head with his forearm.
Clubs are forced to pay $10,000 for unsuccessful challenges but are far more inclined to challenge suspensions than they were under the old regime, where players risked an extra week being added to their bans if they failed at the tribunal.
Christian was given sole responsibility for determining the initial sanctions in an AFL overhaul of the match review process that came into effect last year.
Importantly, Christian's determinations are primarily based on video footage and medical reports, while it is open to the tribunal to consider a wide range of factors.
Christian has been steadfast that successful tribunal challenges indicate the system is working, a view echoed by North Melbourne coach Brad Scott last month.
AFL 2019 TRIBUNAL WINNERS
* Shane Mumford (GWS, striking) - One-game ban reduced to $3000 fine
* Mason Cox (Collingwood, rough conduct) - One-game ban and charge thrown out
* Dustin Martin (Richmond, striking) - Two games down to one
* Taylin Duman (Fremantle, striking) - Two games down to one
* Gary Ablett (Geelong, striking) - One game down to $2000 fine
LOSERS
* Jack Riewoldt (Richmond, misconduct) - $1000 fine increased to $1500
* Luke McDonald (North Melbourne, rough conduct) - One-game ban upheld
* Steven May (Melbourne, rough conduct) - One-game ban upheld
* Taylor Walker (Adelaide, rough conduct) - $3000 fine upheld.
