Essendon ruckman David Hille has avoided suspension for a fourth time this AFL season, but Hawthorn have more worries ahead of their crunch game with Melbourne.
Hille looked to have used up all his luck when he was reported on Friday night for engaging in rough conduct against Carlton’s Mitch Robinson, as even Bombers coach Matthew Knights was disappointed his big man laid a high bump instead of a tackle.
But the match review panel on Monday deemed Hille’s bump was high, but negligent and of low impact, which meant he can avoid a suspension with a guilty plea.
The Bombers play ladder-leading Collingwood on Friday night.
Hille had already been cleared of wrongdoing this season in clashes with Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel, Hawthorn’s Clinton Young and St Kilda’s Brendon Goddard.
Hawthorn again have judiciary worries, as defender Brent Guerra could be out of next Sunday’s vital game at the MCG, where the Hawks could be replaced in eighth spot by the Demons if they lose.
Guerra was reported for engaging in rough conduct against Sydney’s Nick Malceski at the SCG on Saturday.
The panel imposed a two-game suspension, but Guerra can reduce that to one with a guilty plea or challenge at the tribunal.
Hawthorn have until Tuesday morning to decide, but have a bad run with the judiciary this season, as eight players have already been suspended, including Cyril Rioli last week and Campbell Brown in round 17.
Brisbane Lions defender Joel Patfull was hit with a three-game suspension for engaging in rough conduct against West Coast’s Brett Jones at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.
Patfull can reduce the penalty to two games with a guilty plea, which would allow him to play in the last round, as the Lions cannot make the finals.
The good records of Lions skipper Jonathan Brown means he can escape with a reprimand for tripping Eagle Scott Selwood.
Collingwood utility Leigh Brown can also thank his good record for keeping the damage down for tripping Geelong’s Mathew Stokes at the MCG on Saturday night.
Sydney’s Kieren Jack, West Coast’s Quinten Lynch and Western Bulldog Jordan Roughead also can all play next weekend by accepting reprimands.
Jack was charged with engaging in rough conduct against Hawk Matt Suckling, Lynch was charged with kneeing Brisbane’s Brent Staker and Roughead was booked for engaging in rough conduct against Adelaide’s Brad Symes.
Jones was fined $1200 for making negligent contact with an umpire, but can reduce that to $900 with a guilty plea.
A report against Essendon’s Sam Lonergan for engaging in rough conduct against Carlton’s Robert Warnock was dropped because it did not constitute a reportable offence.
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