Essendon ruckman David Hille has been cleared by the Match Review Panel of charging Geelong's Jimmy Bartel in the fourth quarter of Friday night's game.

 

He is now free to play in the Lloyd Tribute match against Fremantle on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

 

The panel said that Essendon’s Jobe Watson had the ball and had directed a pass to his teammate Hille but Bartel moved to cut off the kick and got to the marking contest first. The panel said Hille had his eyes on the ball and was attempting to take a chest mark. He turned to brace himself for contact, which was made to Bartel's body and shoulder. It was considered a legitimate attempt to mark the ball. No further action was taken.

 

 

 

Justin Koschitzke, St Kilda, has been charged with a Level Three engaging in rough conduct offence against Nick Malceski, Sydney Swans, during the first quarter of the round one match between St Kilda and the Sydney Swans, played at ANZ Stadium on Saturday March 27, 2010.

 

In summary, his previous poor record means that his sanction must remain at three games, even with an early plea.

 

The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), medium impact (two points) and high contact (two points). This is a total of six activation points, resulting in a classification of a level three offence, drawing 325 demerit points and a three-match sanction. He has a total of three matches suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 30 per cent to 422.50 points. He also has 53.52 points carried over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 476.02 points and a four-match sanction. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 357.02 points and a three-match sanction.

 

Brendon Goddard, St Kilda, has been charged with making negligent contact with umpire Stephen McBurney during the first quarter of the round one match between St Kilda and the Sydney Swans, played at ANZ stadium on Saturday March 27, 2010.

 

In summary, he can accept a $900 sanction with an early plea.

 

Making negligent contact with an umpire is a $1200 sanction. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to a $900 sanction.

 

 

 

Contact between Carlton’s Jarrad Waite and Richmond’s Daniel Connors from the first quarter of Thursday’s match was assessed. The impact was below that required to constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.

 

Contact between North Melbourne’s Brent Harvey and Port Adelaide’s Jacob Surjan from the third quarter of Sunday’s match was assessed. Contact was made with an open hand. The force was below that required to constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.

 

Contact between the Western Bulldogs’ Ryan Hargrave and Collingwoods Paul Medhurst from the third quarter of Sunday’s match was assessed. Due to the inconclusive nature of the video evidence, no further action was taken.