Border Mail |YARRAWONGA co-coach Drew Barnes is free to play against the Raiders this Sunday after his rough conduct charge was dismissed by the Ovens and Murray tribunal on Wednesday night.
The impact of the Pigeons star's heavy tackle on North Albury's Nick Holman was found to have been less than that required to warrant a sanction.
It comes as a relief for the Pigeons, who would have missed Barnes’ experience in Sunday's first semi-final had he been rubbed out.
Barnes was aided by the testimony of umpires’ advocate Shane Downie, who indicated early in the hearing that Barnes’ tackle did not meet many of the requirements needed to draw a penalty.
The Pigeon's case was largely built around his efforts to limit the impact of Holman's head to the ground.
“My intent was to tackle him and bring him to the ground,” Barnes said.
I FELT THAT IT WAS JUST A TACKLE, NOT TOO MUCH MORE.
- DREW BARNES
“I didn't want to drive him into the turf.
“I don't believe I used excessive force.”
It was agreed early on in proceedings that Holman's shoulder impacted the ground first, followed by his head.
In summarising the verdict, tribunal chairman Wayne Taylor said that Barnes was lucky his tackle hadn't resulted in an injury.
“It was an ugly tackle,” Taylor said.
“It was more by good luck than good management that there was no injury.
“However, with that in mind, the force of the tackle falls short of what would be considered excessive force.”
Barnes and Holman's hearings were held simultaneously, with the Hopper star fronting the tribunal after being reported for striking Barnes in the moments after the tackle was laid.
Holman copped three weeks after pleading guilty, with his previous suspension counting against him.
