Essendon’s Jake Carlisle cleared, Michael Walters and Zach Tuohy free to play in Round 1

ESSENDON’S Jake Carlisle is free to play in Round 1 after he was cleared of kneeing by the AFL Match Review Panel.

Richmond’s Alex Rance does his best to separate Jake Carlisle and Steve Morris. Photo by

ESSENDON’S Jake Carlisle is free to play in Round 1 after he was cleared of kneeing by the AFL Match Review Panel (MRP).

The MRP deemed there was insufficient force to find Carlisle guilty of the misconduct charge stemming from a second quarter incident with Steve Morris in Essendon’s practice match loss to Richmond.

Carlisle was cleared after the MRP sought the advice of the officiating umpire, a medical report from the Richmond doctor and all available footage.

It is not clear whether this includes GoPro footage captured of the incident.

The tribunal assessed four incidents in total from the last weekend of practice matches, finding two convictions.

West coast Eagles' Brant Colledge is tackled by Fremantle's Michael Walters. Photo by Daniel Wilkins.

Fremantle’s Michael Walters and Carlton’s Zach Tuohy can both accept reprimands, but are free to play in Round 1.

Walters was reported for a level one rough conduct charge for making high contact with Eagles utility Brant Colledge during the fourth quarter of their practice match on Thursday.

He can accept a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.

Tuohy can also accept a reprimand and 93.75 carry-over points for his level two strike on Western Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact meaning a one-game suspension, but a clean record and an early plea won Tuohy leniency.

While Hawthorn’s Jordan Lewis was cleared of his heavy bump on Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones, with the MRP ruling Lewis made accidental high contact in the process of contesting the ball.

Eight players are ineligible to play in Round 1 due to suspension.

Nathan Jones was left bloodied after his clash with Jordan Lewis, but returned to the field later in the game. Picture Wayne Ludbey.

CURRENT SUSPENSIONS

Patrick McGinnity (West Coast) — Available Round 2

Lenny Hayes (St Kilda) — Available Round 2

Maverick Weller (St Kilda) — Available Round 2

Nick Suban (Fremantle) — Available Round 2

Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn) — Available Round 2

Leigh Montagna (St Kilda) — Available Round 2

Jake Melksham (Essendon) — Available Round 3

Brian Lake (Hawthorn) — Available Round 4