RICHMOND star Trent Cotchin and Collingwood match-winner Jordan De Goey have both escaped suspension and are free to play in round one of the AFL season.
The high-profile duo were at the centre of separate incidents assessed by the match review officer from last week’s practice matches and have been hit with financial sanctions for their offences.
Cotchin was found guilty of misconduct after driving his forearm into Melbourne’s James Harmes as the pair tangled on the ground.
But the former Tigers skipper can line up in the season opener against Carlton on March 16 after being dealt a $1500 fine.
The penalty can be reduced to $1000 with an early guilty plea.
De Goey was in danger of missing Collingwood’s blockbuster clash with premiers Geelong on March 17 after he dumped Hawthorn recruit Lloyd Meek in a heavy tackle.
The Magpies star was charged with rough conduct – assessed as careless conduct, low impact and high contact – and was handed a $3000 fine.
It can be reduced to $2000 with an early guilty plea.
GWS ruckman Braydon Preuss escaped sanction over an awkward tackle on Gold Coast’s Tom Berry and can play against Adelaide on March 19.
Preuss was suspended three times last season.
(C) AAP 2023
