AFL MRO: Dangerfield learns fate as Lions forward charged

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield has avoided a suspension for his dangerous tackle on Brisbane's Hugh McClugagge during Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG.

In the third term, McCluggage received a handball from teammate Jaspa Fletcher but was meant by a commanding Dangerfield who brought him to the ground with force.

The Brownlow medallist can be seen dragging the young Lion, pinning one arm and subsequently penalised for the act.

Patrick Dangerfield gave away a free kick for this incident.#AFLFinals | #AFLCatsLions pic.twitter.com/t4LudtgW3e

— AFL (@AFL) September 21, 2024

McCluggage played out the remainder of the contest and was pivotal to the Brisbane victory.

However, the Match Review Officer (MRO) didn't see the incident as worthy of a suspension, meaning Dangerfield will be free to play in Round 1 next year.

The MRO graded the action careless conduct, low impact and high contact, constituting a $3,750 fine ($2,500 early plea).

Dangerfield's wallet will be a little lighter as he was sanctioned for a strike on Josh Dunkley in the second quarter, copping a $1,875 fine ($1,250 early plea).

Brisbane forward Eric Hipwood also received attention from the MRO for his rough conduct on Cats defender Jack Henry in the first quarter.

Hipwood will need to reach deep into his pockets, with the sanction totalling to $6,250 ($3750 early plea).

Lions defender Dayne Zorko will also breathe a sigh of relief after an errant swinging arm collected Ollie Henry in the first term with no fine in sight.

The MRO - who didn't explain Zorko's absence from their findings - would've understood the former Brisbane captain to be contesting the ball in a marking contest.