Adelaide midfield star Scott Thompson’s AFL Brownlow Medal hopes remain alive after being cleared over the collision which concussed and bloodied Geelong’s Steve Johnson.
But West Coast skipper Darren Glass is set to miss Saturday’s derby against Fremantle for his high bump on Brisbane’s Jonathan Brown.
In other charges laid on Monday, North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas faces a two-match ban for rough conduct and Melbourne’s Neville Jetta a one-game suspension for making forceful front-on contact to Thomas.
Thompson crashed into Johnson at the opening bounce of Saturday’s clash at Simonds Stadium, leaving the Cat concussed, bleeding from the mouth and unable to play.
But the match review panel on Monday ruled that Thompson, who entered the game as Brownlow favourite and was again the Crows’ best player, was not at fault.
Thompson was pushed by Geelong’s Joel Corey into Johnson’s path and had no choice but to brace for contact, the panel decided.
Had the Crows star received a penalty worth 100 demerit points or more, he would have become ineligible for the Brownlow.
Glass can accept a one-match ban if he pleads guilty to rough conduct for his last-quarter clash with Brown in Perth on Sunday.
The defender would have been facing a two-match sanction if not for a reduction for his prior clean record.
Thomas was booked for downing Melbourne’s Daniel Nicholson with a bump to the side of the head on Saturday.
The Kangaroos are already missing midfielder Jack Ziebell, who has two games to serve of the controversial four-game ban he attracted against Carlton in round 16.
Western Bulldog Lindsay Gilbee can accept a reprimand for a low-grade striking offence.
Brisbane’s Simon Black, West Coast’s Scott Selwood, Adelaide’s Nathan van Berlo and Bulldog Brian Lake all face fines for various offences.
St Kilda players avoided charges over numerous incidents during Sunday’s big win over the Bulldogs.
Beau Wilkes was cleared over the tackle that ended the season of the Dogs’ Daniel Cross.
Saints goalsneak Stephen Milne was let off despite facing scrutiny over three separate incidents.
Hits on Lake and Robert Murphy were deemed of insufficient force to constitute offences.
The panel was also unable to determine that an offence had occurred in an incident between Milne and Liam Picken.
