Carlton's Rising Star hopeful Harry Dean has escaped suspension for a dangerous tackle executed against Brisbane's Cameron Rayner on Saturday night.

Rayner's head appeared to make heavy contact with the Marvel Stadium carpet in the third term of Carlton's statement victory over the defending, back-to-back premiers, but he has been handed a financial sanction of $3000 for the tackle, rather than a suspension.

Dean can reduce the cost inflicted down to $2000, with an early plea.

The tackle was graded careless conduct, low impact, and high contact, resulting in the fine, as opposed to a ban.

Importantly, it keeps Dean's eligibility for the coveted Rising Star intact. A suspension would have dashed the father-son's chances of taking home the award, but for now, he is free to compete with the likes of stablemate Jagga Smith and Eagle, Willem Duursma, for the gong.

Dean was everywhere in the victory, memorably kicking his first major at the level, as one of Carlton's record-equalling 16 individual goal scorers on the night.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 01: Harry Dean of the Blues celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 21 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, on August 01, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 01: Harry Dean of the Blues celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 21 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, on August 01, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Saint Liam O'Connell was fined $1500 for careless contact with an umpire - a fine that can be reduced to $1000 with an early plea.

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