Carlton captain Patrick Cripps has had his staging fine dismissed after challenging it via written submission at the AFL tribunal.

He was fined $1500 for staging in the third quarter of the Blues' loss to Collingwood on Saturday night.

The incident occurred in a marking contest but the tribunal was ultimately satisfied that there was insufficient evidence to uphold the charge.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 5: Patrick Cripps of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2026 AFL Opening Round match between the Sydney Swans and the Carlton Blues at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 5, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 5: Patrick Cripps of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2026 AFL Opening Round match between the Sydney Swans and the Carlton Blues at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 5, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL has cracked down on such incidents in recent times as it is bad a look and undermines the integrity of the game.

Kai Lohmann was also fined for staging last round, while Will Lewis, Josh Treacy, Josh Rachele, Cam Rayner and Tom McCartin have also been sanctioned.

Like Cripps, Tom De Koning was fined earlier in the season but the charge was ultimately dismissed.

Staging is defined as excessively exaggerating contact in an unsportsmanlike manner to manipulate an umpire's decision.

Cripps was one of Carlton's best in the loss to Collingwood, earning six coaches votes.

The Blues take on Gold Coast on Saturday in a must-win game to keep their Wildcard Round ambitions alive, with Cripps' side likely jostling with the Suns, St Kilda, GWS and North Melbourne for the last remaining spot in September.

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