Steele Sidebottom escapes suspension for sling tackle, offered fine by match review officer

COLLINGWOOD and Steele Sidebottom are breathing a sigh of relief today after the star Magpie was offered a fine by match review officer Michael Christian for his sling tackle on Zac Fisher.

Will Steele Sidebottom be suspended for his sling tackle on Zac Fisher? Picture: Michael Klein

UPDATE: STEELE Sidebottom has escaped with a $2000 fine for his sling tackle on Carlton’s Zac Fisher and is free to face Adelaide on Friday night.

The incident was graded by match review officer Michael Christian as rough conduct but low impact to the head, which results in a $2000 fine with an early plea.

Medium impact would have resulted in a one match ban with an early plea.

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Carlton youngster Fisher grabbed the ball early in the last quarter of Friday night’s Collingwood victory and was set upon by Sidebottom.

He got a little kick away as he was slung, turning almost 360 degrees with both arms pinned. Fisher’s head appeared to slam into the turf and he was visibly stunned by the impact.

Sidebottom reacted immediately by apologising, checking on his rival to make sure he was OK and offering his hand to pull him up, which after a few seconds was accepted.

A free kick was paid.

Fisher ran to bench where he received medical attention, but he returned to the field within a few minutes and played out the match.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said he thought Sidebottom “showed a duty of care”.

“I’m glad that the player got up and played the rest of the game out,” Buckley said.

Will Steele Sidebottom be suspended for his sling tackle on Zac Fisher? Picture: Michael Klein

“That’s as significant as anything these days.”

Crow Richard Douglas copped a week after his bump on Essendon’s Zac Merrett was deemed medium impact.

The Essendon midfielder did not return to the field after being ruled out with concussion.

Sidebottom is arguably the Magpies’ most valuable player. Moments after the tackle Sidebottom kicked a stunning dribbling snap goal from the right pocket, underlining his importance to the team.

It was one of three goals for the night from 35 touches. He was the standout best on ground.

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