In overturning the charge, the jury of David Neitz, Shane Wakelin and Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson QC declared the small forward had not ceased to contest the ball in the collision and his actions were reasonable.
"Incidents such as this where the question revolves around whether and how the player is contesting the ball are not easy," Gleeson QC said.
"Rioli had eyes for the ball as he entered the contest (and) there is no doubt he braced for contact a split second before contact.
"But when doing so he did not cease to contest the ball. The way in which he did so was not unreasonable."
The jury did find he had made high contact with Rowell, but that proved irrelevant after the rough conduct charge was dismissed.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/724891/free-willie-rioli-clear-to-play-r2-after-successful-challenge
