Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Cats' Brad Close avoids dangerous tackle charge

Brad Close has avoided suspension for an incident in Geelong's draw with the Swans in Sydney. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Geelong forward Brad Close has avoided a second suspension for a dangerous tackle after the match review officer determined his challenge on Sydney's Aaron Francis wasn't careless.

In the opening quarter of Friday night's draw at the SCG, Close pinned the Swans defender's right arm and took him to ground.

Francis' head hit the turf and he took some time to get to his feet, but played out the match.

The AFL confirmed match review officer Michael Christian had assessed the incident but determined premiership forward Close had no case to answer.

"Francis gains possession of the ball with momentum in the Sydney Swans' back pocket and is tackled by Close," the AFL said in a statement.

"It was the view of the MRO that despite having Francis in a vulnerable position, Close attempted to slow momentum in taking him to ground and that in the circumstances he was not careless in tackling in that manner.

"No further action was taken."

The 24-year-old is available to face North Melbourne next week.

Close was suspended for one match for his pin-the-arms tackle in round eight that resulted in Adelaide's Jordan Dawson striking his head on the turf, amid the AFL's crackdown on dangerous tackles.

He challenged it at the tribunal but was unsuccessful.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.