FREMANTLE defender Taylin Duman has had his suspension for striking Greater Western Sydney's Lachie Whitfield successfully reduced to just one match at the AFL Tribunal.
Duman, who appeared via video link from Western Australia, was able to reduce the impact grading of his charge from medium to low in an effort to have his suspension downgraded.
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He had initially been offered a two-match ban by the Match Review.
Duman's representative, Nick Tweedie QC, was able to successfully argue that the strike was not inherently dangerous and that the consequence of his hit backed up that point.
He was aided by Whitfield, who was called upon to provide evidence during the hearing.
Whitfield said that it was his belief that Duman attempted to push him in the shoulder, but slipped upon making contact due to the sweaty conditions and hit his face.
He described the shove as open-handed, saying it was not a punch but a push.
The Giants star also joked that he had told the Dockers youngster that he "hoped he had enough money" to pay for the fine in the immediate aftermath of the strike.
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The Tribunal then deliberated for just six minutes, before downgrading the penalty.
Duman will now only miss Fremantle's game against the Western Bulldogs next week, before returning for the club's round seven bout with Adelaide.
