Hawthorn midfielder Shaun Burgoyne has defended team-mate Lance Franklin in the wake of his latest AFL report for a high bump.

Franklin was booked in the last quarter of Sunday's win over Sydney for rough conduct after he made contact with Swans defender Martin Mattner.

It is the third time in eight games that Franklin has been reported for high contact, each time involving a player shorter than him.

Burgoyne said coach Alastair Clarkson had told the team a couple of times not to bump, but he added Franklin's size made it tougher for him.

Burgoyne added it can be tough for players to curb their instincts, especially given the game now is so fast.

Burgoyne also said team-mate Campbell Brown did not appear to have suffered a serious knee injury in the win over Sydney, with the club waiting on test results.

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