Dustin Fletcher got the fright of his life but walked away from the AFL tribunal tonight free to take on the Brisbane Lions this weekend. Fletcher was cleared of a striking charge after the tribunal found that any contact made had not been sufficient to constitute a strike. The charge resulted from a clash between Fletcher and Brett Burton late in last weekend's clash with the Crows. With Damian Cupido also cleared, it was some timely good news for the Bombers on the eve of its do-or-die clash with Brisbane.

Fletcher's availability is a huge bonus for the Bombers - he is certain to take on star Lions' full forward Alastair Lynch. Cupido will also relish to return to The Dome having struggled to come to terms with the damp conditions in Adelaide last weekend. Essendon fans will have to wait until tomorrow night to find out if Steven Alessio will be available for selection. He faces the VFL tribunal tomorrow night on a striking charge.