Ben Saunders is free to tackle East Fremantle after being found not guilty of rough conduct.
Camera IconBen Saunders is free to tackle East Fremantle after being found not guilty of rough conduct. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

WAFL: Bulldog Saunders beats ban, free to face Sharks

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

SOUTH Fremantle forward Ben Saunders is free to tackle East Fremantle on Saturday after being found not guilty of rough conduct.

Saunders was reported for a first quarter incident with Leigh Kitchin during the top of the table clash with Subiaco at Leederville Oval last Thursday.

The WAFL’s match review panel had offered Saunders a one-match sanction if he accepted an early guilty plea, but South Fremantle chose to challenge.

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On Wednesday the WAFL tribunal found him not guilty.

It frees him up to play the Sharks in the derby at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

It is a massive boost for the Bulldogs with Saunders co-leader of the WAFL’s goalkicking charts, having booted 37 goals in 14 games.

He kicked three against Subiaco last week.

South Fremantle has lost its last three matches.