Richmond triple-premiership defender David Astbury has avoided a suspension for striking Carlton's Lachie Plowman in the AFL season opener.
Astbury had received a free kick in the third quarter of Thursday night's game for a high tackle but flung his right elbow back into Plowman, with the back of his arm catching the Blue high.
As a result, the free kick was overturned - with Plowman going on to kick a goal - and Astbury reported for striking.
But the match review officer assessed the incident as careless conduct, low impact and high contact, with the Tiger avoiding a suspension and able to accept a $2000 fine.
It means the experienced key defender will be available for Richmond's round two clash with Hawthorn at the MCG next Sunday.
Meanwhile Carlton's Tom Williamson was offered a $2000 fine for rough conduct on Richmond's Jake Aarts in the second quarter, with his offence considered intentional conduct, body contact and low impact.
