Geelong veterans James Kelly and Steve Johnson have escaped suspension from the Match Review Panel with both men free to confront the Crows this Saturday.
Kelly was cited for striking Collingwood's Alex Fasolo during the second term of Geelong's Friday night victory over the Magpies. The 31-year-old All Australian was booked for careless conduct with low impact to the head, resulting in a $1,000 fine with an early guilty plea.
Fellow premiership player Johnson was also fined for engaging in rough conduct against Pies defender Nathan Brown. The incident occured in the third term and was deemed careless and of low impact to the head. Johnson accepted a $1,500 fine - reduced from $2,500 - with an early guilty plea on Tuesday.
Both men remain available for Saturday's clash with Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.
Full Match Review Panel statement:
James Kelly, Geelong Cats, has been charged with striking Alex Fasolo, Collingwood, during the second quarter of the Round 22 match between the Geelong Cats and Collingwood, played at the MCG on Friday August 28, 2015.
In summary, he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.
Based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the Collingwood Football Club, it was the view of the panel the incident should be classified as careless conduct with low impact to the head. This offence was classified as a $1500 sanction. The player has no applicable bad record. An early plea can reduce the penalty to a $1000 sanction.
Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, has been charged with engaging in rough conduct against Nathan Brown, Collingwood, during the third quarter of the Round 22 match between the Geelong Cats and Collingwood, played at the MCG on Friday August 28, 2015.
In summary, he can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea.
Based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the Collingwood Football Club, it was the view of the panel the incident should be classified as careless conduct with low impact to the head. This was a second classifiable offence and therefore rated as $2500 sanction. An early plea can reduce the penalty to a $1500 sanction.
