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Power pair's tackles cleared, Rioli fined for staging

3 minute read

Port Adelaide don't have any players suspended for their AFL preliminary final, but Willie Rioli was charged with staging and Zak Butters copped another fine.

WILLIE RIOLI.
WILLIE RIOLI. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

Port Adelaide duo Jase Burgoyne and Lachie Jones are clear to play in the Power's AFL preliminary final against Sydney after avoiding dangerous-tackle charges, while forward Willie Rioli has been fined for staging.

The Power pair gave away dangerous-tackle free kicks during Friday night's thrilling 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) semi-final win over Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.

Burgoyne was among the Power's best throughout the night but would have nervously awaited the match review officer's assessment of a driving tackle on Hawthorn star Dylan Moore in the second quarter.

That was assessed as a dangerous tackle, with Moore kicking the goal, shortly after Jones was penalised for slinging Mabior Chol - which also earned the Hawks a set-shot goal.

But MRO Michael Christian didn't even mention either incident in his report on Saturday.

Power star Zak Butters received a holding-the-ball free kick for a terrific tackle on Moore, and though the forward's head hit the ground, he too had no case to answer.

Rioli flung himself on to his back unnecessarily, seemingly trying to win a free kick, as he and Hawthorn defender Jack Scrimshaw contested a ground ball in the third quarter.

He was charged with a first offence of staging and can accept a $1250 fine.

Butters, who already held the unenviable title of the AFL's most fined player, stung $36,250 across his career, copped another hit to his hip pocket.

He can accept a $3125 fine for his third career charge of making careless contact with an umpire.

Teammate Aliir Aliir and Hawk James Worpel have been offered $1250 fines for their first charge of the same offence.

Power ruckman Jordon Sweet received a $5000 fine for kneeing opponent Lloyd Meek, his third kneeing offence.

Hawthorn goalsneak Connor Macdonald was offered a $2500 fine for striking Jones.

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