AFL GENERAL manager football operations Adrian Anderson today said the AFL commended the Western Bulldogs for taking strong action regarding an on-field exchange between player Will Minson and Port Adelaide's Danyle Pearce from Sunday's round 12 match at Etihad Stadium.

Anderson said the AFL endorsed the decision by the club to suspend Minson for one match, for him to issue a formal apology to his opponent Pearce and to be part of a compulsory education session around the game's Respect and Responsibility Policy with AFL cultural strategy and education manager Sue Clark.

[ Related: Club, Pearce commend Dogs' response ]

Anderson said he was pleased that player Minson acknowledged his behaviour during last Sunday’s match did not meet the standards expected across the competition and that he was apologetic for what had occurred.

"All players, coaches and officials across our competition are aware that there is no place within our game for comments that are offensive and demeaning towards women."