IT MIGHT have come a week too late for some at Port Adelaide but the evidence from an opposition player has helped spare one of its own from suspension.

Daniel Motlop beat a striking charge at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night after West Coast Eagle Adam Hunter told the three-man jury the Power forward didn’t punch him in the head – as a goal umpire officiating in Sunday’s clash at Subiaco had told the panel just minutes earlier.

Motlop’s case – in which there was no video evidence – was the most interesting of a busy night at the AFL tribunal.

Last week the Power was outspoken in its criticism of Essendon after it believed speedster Andrew Lovett hadn’t helped its case in clearing ruckman Dean Brogan.

But a week later an opposition player’s evidence proved crucial, helping the Power keep one of their most important players out on the field.

Goal umpire Mike Spear said during Tuesday’s hearing that he was “100 per cent clear” he had witnessed Motlop strike Hunter when the pair were wrestling on the ground.

However the Eagle later said there had been “only pushing” and that he had been surprised when told a report had been laid.

Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rohde was thrilled when the three-man jury, which deliberated for about 10 minutes, returned with its verdict.

“It’s a difficult situation when there’s no video evidence and we fully understand that it’s difficult to get players off when that’s the case,” Rohde said.

“There’s a common perception out there that players look after each other.

“You know we spoke to Adam Hunter, as the AFL encouraged us to do yesterday, and he was very forthright in what he said to us and he was very forthright tonight and obviously he didn’t think there was anything there.

“We had trepidation coming to be honest because, you know, an umpire’s view is always held in very high esteem and we’re just very pleased with the way it went tonight.”

Motlop risked a possible two-match ban but is now free to play Melbourne this weekend in what will be his 100th AFL game.