AFL announces decision on Ballantyne phone call

The AFL has issued Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne with a formal warning for using his phone during last week's NAB Challenge match against Richmond.

Not further action will be taken.

The AFL's investigation of Ballantyne's phone call confirmed that he spoke to a family member after suffering an injury which saw him ruled out of the remainder of the match.

Ballantyne was caught on camera using his phone in the change rooms after going off the ground with an injury in his side's NAB Challenge match last weekend.

Players are banned from using their phones during matches under the AFL's integrity rules.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said on 3AW radio earlier today that it serves as a wake up call to all players and that Ballantyne would not have been so lucky had it been a regular home and away fixture.

"It's the first time we've had one of these … I think everyone instinctively feels he was calling family and friends.

"But there's only so many chances you get and home and away is different, and the context is different.

"There will be a significantly different outcome than I think will happen this time."