Geelong's Chapman escapes suspension

(AAP) - Geelong star Paul Chapman has dodged a pre-finals bullet, escaping suspension for his flurry of punches on Western Bulldogs tagger Liam Picken in their AFL match last weekend.

The AFL match review panel has ruled Chapman can accept a reprimand and carryover
points if he makes an early guilty plea on a striking charge.
Should he accept the penalty - and it appears certain the Cats will jump at the
prospect - it means Chapman would be available for Geelong's clash with Carlton at
Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Picken can also accept a reprimand for his swinging arm to the head of Geelong's
Joel Selwood, as can West Coast youngster Koby Stevens for making front-on contact.
St Kilda's Lenny Hayes has been fined $900 for negligent contact with a field umpire.
Match day reports against Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke and St Kilda defender Jason
Gram were thrown out - Clarke's for his clash which left Sydney forward Ben McGlynn
with a fractured cheekbone.
The panel said Clarke was clearly seeking to win the ball, with McGlynn contributing
to the incident in his brave decision to put his head over the football.
"Both players were moving towards the ball to contest for possession and McGlynn
lunged forward to take the ball," the panel said in a statement.
"Contact was made by Clarke's leg and it was the view of the panel the Fremantle
player was seeking to win the ball and his actions weren't seen as a reportable
offence."
Gram's report for making forceful contact from front-on against North Melbourne's
Cruize Garlett was below that required to constitute a reportable offence, according
to the panel.
Port Adelaide forward Brett Ebert and North Melbourne's Ben Warren also had
incidents scrutinised by the panel, with neither having a case to answer.