FREMANTLE great Matthew Pavlich believes Nic Naitanui intended to hurt Port Adelaide’s Karl Amon in the tackle which led to a one-game suspension this week.

Naitanui’s ban was yesterday upheld at tribunal by jury members Richard Loveridge, David Neitz and Shane Wakelin after the AFL argued the ruckman had a duty of care because of his size relative to that of his opponent.

The Eagles star said he was “a little bit dumbfounded” by the decision and would not be changing his game style.

The verdict caused mass outrage on social media, with former Dockers captain Pavlich attracting attention for declaring the tackle was designed to hurt Amon.

Despite appearing to show sympathy to Naitanui, the tweet was not well received overall, leading to further clarification which inevitably led to him being accused of backpedalling.

During the submissions yesterday, Naitanui said he attempted to roll Amon onto his left side to avoid conceding a free kick. But he said they fell forward after Amon planted his left leg.

Naitanui was rewarded with a free kick for a similar tackle on Sydney defender Nick Smith in round one. Another similar tackle on Geelong’s Brendan Parfitt escaped any scrutiny in round three.

“There was no malice in it. I did the best thing I could to prevent him being injured,” Naitanui said.

Port Adelaide doctor Mark Fisher said Amon showed signs of confusion, disorientation and memory loss.