Geelong coach Chris Scott says the Cats came very close to challenge star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield's one-match ban for rough conduct.
Dangerfield was suspended for one game for a dangerous tackle on Carlton ruckman, Matthew Kreuzer, which left the Blue concussed.
Scott said the club felt Dangerfield should not have been suspended, but following legal advice, opted not to appeal the ban.
"We came pretty close to challenging. We felt there was a very strong argument that Dangerfield shouldn't have been suspended," Scott told reporters on Wednesday morning.
"There were some risks, however, that the legal team advised us on. That has a lot to do with the rules and the system.
"There was a tackle. There was an outcome. Patrick was very strong on not having his individual circumstances considered.
"Pat is as focused as any individual as I've ever met on team success..
"We'll still continue to coach players to turn in the tackle to avoid the in the back free kick.
"If the alternative is to be a very poor tackling team or be poor in the contest, we'll have to run the risk of crossing the boundary.
"I have a view that a rule of intent is worthy of further discussion. It is a significant penalty if you miss weeks and votes are unavailable to you. That penalty might be enough.
"We clearly think the tackling action was reasonable in the circumstances.
"Danger feels like there are bigger fish to fry than his individual accolades.
"It's going to a challenge [without Dangerfield]. But not impossible. These opportunities allow others to step up. We'll have eight or nine new faces from the team Sydney faced last year."
Dangerfield's one-match suspension will see him miss this Friday night's crucial clash with Sydney and will rule him ineligible to win this year's Brownlow Medal.
He has averaged 30 disposals and kicked 35 goals so far this season.
