Pearce Hanley will be free to play in the Lions' season opener against Melbourne on Saturday 31 March at the MCG after the AFL Match Review Panel cleared his match-day report on Monday evening.
Hanley was reported by umpire Stefan Grun for charging Essendon forward Michael Hurley during the third quarter of last Saturday's NAB Cup match at Visy Park.
The AFL Match Review Panel assessed the Irishman's match day report and came to the conclusion that he had no case to answer.
The panel said Hurley was running back with the flight of the ball as Hanley came in from the side. As Hurley was attempting to mark, Hanley was seeking to spoil the ball and made contact with the Essendon player.
After speaking with the umpire who laid the report, and viewing all available footage and taking into account a medical report from the Essendon Football Club, it was the view of the panel that Hanley’s actions were a legitimate attempt to spoil.
No further action was taken, meaning Hanley will be free to line-up against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday 31 March.
Hanley has no case to answer
Pearce Hanley is free to play against Melbourne in Round One after his report was thrown out by the AFL Match Review Panel.
