THE FIVE Tribunal cases heard in 2016 was an all-time low for the AFL judiciary as clubs became increasingly reluctant to challenge penalties handed down by the Match Review Panel.

The second season under a revamped system introduced by football operations manager Mark Evans has been seen as a success, with players serving a total of 50 weeks suspension (including the NAB Challenge).

That's down from 57 in 2015 and 75 in 2014, with the rate of suspensions decreasing in each of the past four seasons.

The MRP's new penalty structure, which allows for low-level offences to be punished with fines rather than carryover points or suspension, is largely responsible for the dip in the past two seasons.

So how did your club fare in 2016, and what were the big headlines? We look back on each club's season to wrap up the memorable cases, how many weeks your players spent sidelined, and how much your players were left out of pocket.  

Note: Fines are for classifiable offences such as low impact strikes to the body, and not fixed financial sanctions for melees. 

Big case
David Zaharakis was made an example of in round 15 for a 'tummy tap' on Jackson Nelson. A bad medical report meant the strike to Jackson Nelson was graded medium impact, satisfying supporters who had become tired of players intentionally striking opponents and escaping with fines.  

Charged
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (round 11) - $1000 for rough conduct on Chris Mayne (Fremantle)
David Zaharakis (round 15) - One week for striking Jackson Nelson (West Coast)
Mark Jamar (round 15) - One week for striking Jeremy McGovern (West Coast) 

Total weeks suspended: Two
Total fines: $1000