Western Bulldogs forward Brit Gutknecht is free to play against West Coast this weekend after overcoming a rough conduct charge at the tribunal.

Gutknecht was referred directly to the tribunal following an incident during the third quarter of the Bulldogs’ clash with Sydney in Round 8.

Her tackle on Paige Sheppard was initially graded as careless, severe impact and high contact, triggering a direct referral to the league’s judiciary body.

Gutknecht was facing a ban of three-plus matches, but on Tuesday evening the Bulldogs successfully had the case thrown out on the basis that the tribunal did not assess the act as careless.

Gutknecht has played four straight AFLW games since making a successful return from a broken leg.