Brownlow favourite Lachie Neale still eligible after avoiding ban for driving rival into the ground

Leading Brownlow Medal contender Lachie Neale remains eligible for the AFL’s highest honour after avoiding a sanction from the Match Review Officer.

Neale was examined by Michael Christian after driving Sydney’s Nick Blakey into the ground, with the young Swan’s head making contact with the Cazaly’s Stadium surface.

Blakey was given a free kick for holding the man out of the incident.

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“It looked okay to me,” Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said on Fox Footy.

The MRO examined the tackle but determined it did not count as rough conduct.

“The incident between Lachie Neale and Nick Blakey from the third quarter of Sunday’s game between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions was assessed,” the AFL said in a statement.

“Blakey has possession of the ball on the wing and is pursued by Neale and Dayne Zorko. Blakey attempts to kick the football as Zorko lays a lunging tackle, dislodging the football. Neale then simultaneously tackles Blakey to ground, who braces for contact using his right arm, causing impact to his shoulder.

“It was the view of the MRO that Neale’s actions did not constitute Rough Conduct. No further action was taken.”

FULL MATCH REVIEW STATEMENT

Shane McAdam, Adelaide Crows, has been charged with Striking (Fixed Financial Sanction) Tom Williamson, Carlton, during the second quarter of the Round 17 match between Carlton and the Adelaide Crows, played at Metricon Stadium on Sunday September 13.

In summary, he can accept a $750 sanction with an early plea.

Based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as Striking (Fixed Financial Sanction). The incident was classified as a $1250 sanction as a first offence. The player can accept a $750 sanction with an early plea.

Blake Hardwick, Hawthorn, has been charged with Striking (Fixed Financial Sanction) Aaron Naughton, Western Bulldogs, during the first quarter of the Round 17 match between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, played at Adelaide Oval on Sunday September 13.

In summary, he can accept a $750 sanction with an early plea.

Based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as Striking (Fixed Financial Sanction). The incident was classified as a $1250 sanction as a first offence. The player can accept a $750 sanction with an early plea.

Bailey Smith, Western Bulldogs, has been charged with Rough Conduct (Dangerous Tackle) against Harry Morrison, Hawthorn, during the fourth quarter of the Round 17 match between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, played at Adelaide Oval on Sunday September 13.

In summary he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.

Based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as Careless Conduct, Low Impact and High Contact. The incident was classified as a $1500 sanction as a first offence. The player can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.