Johnson was concussed in the centre-square collision and substituted before quarter time. The Match Review Panel deemed Thompson was pushed into Johnson's path by Cat Joel Corey, and that the contact was outside the star Crow's control. The MRP findings on the matter are as follows:
"Contact between the Adelaide Crows’ Scott Thompson and the Geelong Cats’ Steve Johnson from the first quarter of Saturday’s match was assessed. After a ruck contest, Johnson is moving towards the loose ball at speed while Thompson is coming to the contest at an angle. Thompson receives a push from player Joel Corey into the path of Johnson and, at the last moment, he braces before contact is made. It was the view of the panel the contact was caused by circumstances outside the control of player Thompson and no further action was taken."
One of the favourites for the Brownlow Medal, Thompson remains eligible for the award.
Skipper Nathan van Berlo can accept a $900 sanction for making contact with an umpire in the same game. The MRP findings in relation to van Berlo are as follows:
"Nathan van Berlo, Adelaide Crows, has been charged with a first offence for using making negligent contact with umpire Luke Farmer during the first quarter of the Round 18 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats, played at Simonds Stadium on Saturday July 28, 2012.
In summary, he can accept a $900 sanction with an early plea. A first offence for making negligent contact with an umpire is a $1200 sanction. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to a $900 sanction."
Adelaide hosts Essendon at 4.10pm this Sunday. Fans are advised to purchase well in advance to avoid disappointment. Click here for tickets and match day information.
