Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters says the AFL will examine his off-the-ball treatment from the Western Bulldogs.
Butters and his coach Ken Hinkley had an animated discussion on the bench in the second quarter during Saturday's Adelaide Oval game.
Asked about the exchange at halftime, Butters told Fox Footy: "Just about a bit of stuff off-ball. I will let the AFL look at that."
Hinkley said he was telling Butters to "just stay calm".
"Stay in the moment, control what you can control - some stuff you can't control so move on and and let's get on with it," Hinkley said post-match.
"Conversations with Zak are always pretty intense on game day, which is what I love about him - everything is on the line for him on game day."
Butters has been a target of the match review officer this season, copping some fines and also successful challenging a one-match striking ban.
His increased volatility comes as some clubs opt to tag the brilliant playmaker.
In Saturday's 48-point hammering of the Bulldogs, Hinkley substituted Butters in the third quarter - by then, the 23-year-old had collected 33 disposals and kicked a goal.
"Just looking after him," Hinkley said.
"He's had a really big year and he gives me too much, he gives you everything he's got, and sometimes you have got to look after him a little bit.
"He's that type of player that has been worn like a glove for a month."
