Russell was found not guilty of conduct unbecoming following an incident involving Wodonga Saints coach Zack Pleming at Tallangatta on June 26.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

While the clash went unnoticed by the umpires, Wodonga Saints asked the league to investigate the incident.

The incident was referred to the tribunal on the recommendation of league's investigation officer Mark Deegan after completing his investigation.

Both clubs called witnesses at the tribunal hearing held at the Commercial Club on Tuesday night.

Weighing up the evidence provided, the tribunal deemed that Pleming instigated the collision that led to him being concussed.

After the initial collision, Russell fell on Pleming with the Saints' coach concussed.

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Pleming admitted to the tribunal that he had suffered from several previous concussions which was also taken into account.

Russell returned to the Hoppers this season after winning the best and fairest in 2018 after playing for Wodonga in 2019.

The case was originally meant to be heard on July 13 but was delayed due to COVID restrictions.

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