Geelong ahead Brad Close has prevented a second suspension for a harmful sort out after the match evaluation officer decided his problem on Sydney’s Aaron Francis wasn’t careless.
In the opening quarter of Friday evening’s draw on the SCG, Close pinned the Swans defender’s proper arm and took him to floor.
Francis’ head hit the turf and he took a while to get to his toes, however performed out the match.
The AFL confirmed match evaluation officer Michael Christian had assessed the incident however decided premiership ahead Close had no case to reply.
“Francis gains possession of the ball with momentum in the Sydney Swans’ back pocket and is tackled by Close,” the AFL stated in an announcement.
“It was the view of the MRO that despite having Francis in a vulnerable position, Close attempted to slow momentum in taking him to ground and that in the circumstances he was not careless in tackling in that manner.
“No additional motion was taken.”
The 24-year-old is available to face North Melbourne next week.
Close was suspended for one match for his pin-the-arms tackle in round eight that resulted in Adelaide’s Jordan Dawson striking his head on the turf, amid the AFL’s crackdown on dangerous tackles.
He challenged it on the tribunal however was unsuccessful.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
