It might have had Damien Peverill's bank manager frowning but Essendon fans will tonight be relieved to learn that the rugged on-baller is free to take on Melbourne at the MCG this Sunday. Peverill was fined $3500 after being found guilty of interfering with Brisbane doctor Paul McConnell.

But it has been an expensive two weeks for Peverill who was last week fined $3500 for being involved in a melee - that makes a grand total of $7000.

Peverill pleaded not guilty to the charge arguing that because he was grabbed from behind and sworn at, he thought it must have been a Brisbane player and he instinctively reacted. The tribunal disagreed and said he had been negligent in handing down their guilty verdict.

Earlier, Dustin Fletcher was given a reprieve from another tribunal appearance - his charging report being withdrawn.