Hawthorn forward Mark Williams has avoided suspension over urinating on the ground before the start of a VFL match.

Williams was fined $500 by the VFL tribunal on Tuesday night, after pleading guilty to misconduct.

The small forward told the tribunal he was embarrassed by his actions, after he relieved himself while playing for the Box Hill Hawks, before the start of their match against Tasmania at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday.

The tribunal labelled his actions unacceptable, unhygienic and a bad look for the competition.

But they decided against a suspension, meaning the 24-year-old remains in contention to make his senior return when Hawthorn play Adelaide in Launceston on Sunday.

Sunday's VFL match was Williams' first of the season after overcoming a thigh injury.

The Hawks' 2005 and 2006 leading goalkicker played only four games last season because of a knee injury.

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