Monumental AFL tribunal case settled as David Mackay avoids ban for colossal hit on Hunter Clark

Adelaide veteran David Mackay has avoided suspension on a marathon night at the AFL tribunal over his monstrous hit on St Kilda youngster Hunter Clark.

The AFL, led by prosecutor Jeff Gleeson, had argued that Mackay deserved a three-game ban for last Saturday's hit, but he is free to play against Carlton in Round 15.

Adelaide went to great lengths in their defence of Mackay, calling upon Crows data and football analyst Chris Sheedy and biomechanics expert Dr Robert Crowther.

And the desperate pleas paid off, Adelaide managing to convince the tribunal panel - consisting of Paul Williams, David Neitz and Richard Loveridge - that the AFL's proposed three-week ban was not necessary.

Ultimately, the tribunal settled the hearing with the following words from chairman Geoff Giudice: "The conduct was not unreasonable."

Mackay's right shoulder collided with Clark's face as the Crow and Saint hurtled toward the footy at extreme speeds from opposite ends of Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, leaving Clark with two fractures in his jaw.