PROMISING Essendon utility Alwyn Davey and Melbourne forward Russell Robertson can both now concentrate on round one of the home and away season after escaping suspension from weekend incidents.
Davey came under notice for a tripping incident involving St Kilda opponent Nick Dal Santo during Saturday night’s NAB Cup semi-final.
The AFL Match Review Panel assessed the contact worthy of drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction, but should Davey – who has an unblemished record – plead guilty, he will receive only a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record.
Also fortunate was Robertson, whose match day report for charging Western Bulldog Cameron Wight was dismissed. The panel assessed that Robertson had eyes only for the ball and did not see Wight until contact was unavoidable.
Another player charged today was Brisbane’s Albert Proud, who received a first offence for making contact with umpire Heath Ryan during the second quarter of the NAB Challenge match against Geelong on Friday.
Like Davey, Proud’s clean slate earns him a 25 per cent discount on provision of an early plea, so he can accept a $1950 fine.
Fremantle veteran Heath Black has been charged for abusing umpire Stephen McBurney during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s NAB Challenge match against the Kangaroos. Again, Black receives a discount – therefore a $900 fine – should he accept the charge.