NORTH Melbourne defender Sam Wright believes the tackle Joel Selwood laid on him in Saturday night's clash against Geelong has been blown out of proportion and shouldn't land the Cats' skipper in hot water.
Selwood pinned Wright's right arm in a tackle and pulled it back in a manner that has been likened to Chris Judd's infamous 'chicken wing' tackle in 2012, with the Match Review Panel scrutinising the incident on Monday.
Wright, who has undergone two reconstructions of his right shoulder, said he was concerned about Selwood's actions at the time but replays had changed his mind.
"Looking back at the vision over the last few days, I think it's been blown out of proportion to tell you the truth," he told the club's website.
"He was looking at the umpire the whole time. It was heat of the battle and you know J-Mac (Jamie Macmillan) coming in probably made it a bit worse.
"My shoulder doesn't allow me to go past certain points so that was the issue I had."
Is Joel Selwood in trouble for this? #AFLNorthCats http://t.co/GPez5mHe8v
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Wright, who wasn't injured in the tackle, said Selwood should be given the benefit of the doubt because the star midfielder was under the impression Wright still had the ball, even thought it had spilled free.
He said there were clear differences between Selwood's tackle and the Judd incident that earned the former Carlton captain four weeks on the sidelines.
"I think it's a lot different," Wright said.
"Remembering back, I think he came third man into the tackle and Joel was obviously tackling me there when I had the ball."
Wright could be called to give evidence if Selwood's case is sent directly to the Tribunal on Tuesday, or if Geelong challenges any penalty handed down by the MRP.
Selwood last year gave key evidence in support of Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey, which helped clear him of a high bump charge.
Harvey was able to play in the Kangaroos' first preliminary final in seven years as a result.