NORTH Albury champion Daniel Leslie has had his two-match suspension thrown out by the AFL Victoria Country Appeals Board.
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The board took about 90 minutes to dismiss a charge of unbecoming conduct towards Corowa-Rutherglen’s Jay O’Donoghue.
We felt we owed it to Dan to support him in every way we could because he’s given so much to the club
- Brenden Maclean
Hopper operations manager Brenden Maclean said the club was delighted with the not guilty verdict.
“At the end of the day we just wanted to clear Dan’s name,” Maclean said.
“We’re super happy with the result.
“We felt we owed it to Dan to support him in every way we could because he’s given so much to the club.”
Leslie was represented by high-profile advocate Howard Beer during the hearing in Melbourne.
The appeals board took into account all witnesses’ accounts of the July 22 incident before handing down its decision.
It was alleged the North Albury co-coach kicked O’Donoghue with the claim disputed by Hopper teammate and witness Joel Klemke.
Leslie was allowed to play against Wodonga last Sunday after being granted a stay of sanction by AFL Victoria.
North Albury’s appeal cost the club $2500.
The Hoppers take on Wangaratta Rovers in the final round of the home and away series at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.
Corowa-Rutherglen called two witnesses during the Ovens and Murray tribunal hearing in Tracy O’Donoghue, Jay’s mother, and John O’Donoghue, his uncle, who were watching the game at Corowa’s John Foord Oval.
