Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes midfielder Nick McCormack is free to play in Sunday's first semi-final after being found not guilty at the tribunal on Thursday night.
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McCormack fronted the AFL Riverina independent tribunal after being reported for allegedly striking Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's Lachie Parker in the final quarter of last Sunday's elimination final at Robertson Oval.
After a marathon hearing that lasted just under two and a half hours, McCormack was found not guilty and successfully cleared of the charge.
It means he is free to face his old club Wagga Tigers in Sunday's sudden-death final at Kindra Park.
McCormack, last year's best and fairest winner at MCUE and an assistant coach, was pleased to clear his name.
"Stoked," McCormack said.
"Like I said in there, I know that I didn't do anything so I'm stoked."
McCormack's availability is a massive boost for the Goannas as they look to upset Tigers for the first time this season.
McCormack, who actually celebrated his 22nd birthday on Thursday, is delighted to be able to join his teammates in Sunday's big game.
"One hundred per cent. I feel as the boys will give ourselves the best opportunity to win," he said.
Howard Beer travelled from Melbourne to represent McCormack at the hearing.
McCormack pleaded not guilty and denied making high contact to Parker.
Where the case against McCormack fell apart was conflicting evidence from the umpire and Parker.
Umpire Tim Beard stated that high contact was made to the right side of Parker's head by McCormack's right arm, while the Lions player stated he was struck on the left side of the face by his opponent's left arm.
Collingullie-Glenfield Park footballer John Buchanan also attended as a witness and supported McCormack's version, that he made contact with Parker's bicep.
The Goannas also had a couple of other witnesses provide statements in support of their case and tendered a number of photographs as evidence.
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