Patrick Dangerfield is free to play in Geelong’s crucial Saturday night clash with Essendon after the AFL Tribunal overturned his one-match suspension for rough conduct.
The Match Review Officer cited the Cats skipper for a tackle on Carlton star Sam Walsh in the opening minute of Friday night’s loss at the MCG.
Dangerfield and Geelong lawyer Ben Ihle successfully argued in a hearing lasting more than 90 minutes, before 45 minutes of deliberation, that he showed a duty of care to Walsh when laying the tackle.
“I felt going in, we had a strong case,” Dangerfield, who appeared via video link from GMHBA Stadium, said.
“I was really clear with the incident, given the start of the game.
“I was firm and passionate with the incident because of the duty of care I did provide.
“It’ll be nice to focus on footy for the next couple of days.”
CATS: SEASON ALIVE FOR HAWKINS
Avoiding suspension means Dangerfield will play just his sixth game of the season against the Bombers.
“It’s a great opportunity against an ever-improving team, who have had a great season,” he said.
“It’ll just be nice to get back out there with the guys and string some consistent footy together, and get back out on the ‘G and show everyone the kind of footy we can play.”
X: @krockfootball
