GOLD Coast veteran David Swallow has no case to answer for the collision that left Western Bulldogs defender Ed Richards concussed.

Swallow and Richards collided during the Bulldogs' 48-point win in Ballarat on Sunday, with the latter suffering a concussion.

But Swallow has avoided any punishment from the Match Review Officer for the incident, as coach Damien Hardwick had expected.

"Just two guys winning the ball. I just don't understand what the free kick was there for," Hardwick said after the game.

00:37

Gun Bulldogs half-back cops Sun’s stray elbow

Ed Richards is helped off the ground after being on the end of this accidental contact from David Swallow

Published on Mar 24, 2024

"I understand accidents happen and we want to protect the head, but guys have got to be able to play the game. It's a real challenging game to umpire, but I don't think we've probably got anything to worry about from that one.

"I just hope the Bulldogs player is OK. I think Ed went off. At the end of the day it's one of those ones."

Five different players were fined for wrestling during the clash, with Tom Liberatore and Laitham Vandermeer penalised twice.

00:59

Big scuffle breaks out after Sexton retaliates

Tempers flare after Alex Sexton reacts to being clipped by Laitham Vandermeer

Published on Mar 24, 2024

Port Adelaide's Darcy Byrne-Jones and Richmond's Toby Nankervis can accept fines for rough conduct during the Power's win over the Tigers.