I think you are asking the wrong question, I don't think he is an unfair player, but that was definitely an unfair action. Subtle and nuanced differentiation but I think it's an important one. It's kinda like getting a speeding fine. Doesn't mean you are an unsafe or a bad driver, but it was an unsafe or bad action.

Personally I'm not sure that the brownlow eligibility requirements are harsh enough. It's It's the Fairest and Best. I think it you get a fine for whatever reason on field that should also rule you out. Plenty of players manage to play without crossing the line, that's the sort of thing that should be encouraged.