Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has stated the debate around the Tribunal's decision to clear star forward Charlie Cameron for this week's game against Geelong didn't come as a surprise.
Cameron saw his one-game suspension for rough conduct downgraded to a fine despite the AFL Tribunal upholding the Match Review Officer's gradings, with Cameron's clean record from 207 matches, we all as character references from former teammate Eddie Betts and Indigenous Elder Gregory Egert, playing a part in Cameron being cleared under "exceptional and compelling" circumstances.
The nature of the unexpected outcome to allow Cameron to play against Geelong this weekend was met with backlash, with Fagan giving little attention to external outcries.
"There's always debate isn't there about what the Tribunals decide and what they don't decide," Fagan told media on Friday.
"If you ask me if I was surprised... no I wasn't that it was debated.
"When you go to the Tribunal you use everything at your disposal to free up your player, every club does. If a bloke has a good record, you'd at least give that a mention I think. Otherwise you'd be remiss in your duty to that player."
As for Cameron's wellbeing in the wake of the contentious decision, Fagan said the champion small forward has moved on from any criticism quickly.
"He's fine. He's used to the commentary, the vitriolic stuff on social media and whatever else people want to throw at him," the Lions coach added.
"He's a tough guy, he's happy he's playing and is looking forward to the game tomorrow night."
With Cameron available, Fagan was only forced into the one change for Saturday night's clash with an undefeated Geelong outfit as midfield-forward Zac Bailey faces a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Youngster James Tunstill has come into the starting side for the Lions after not being used as the tactical sub in the Round 5 win over Melbourne.
Fagan confirmed midfielder Jarryd Lyons would slot into the sub role for this weekend following a strong run of form at VFL level for the ex-Sun and Crow.
"He's in as the sub. He's in great form, very good form," Fagan said of Lyons.
"Sometimes you're in a game and you need a bloke to come on and add a little bit of impact around the contest.
"We feel like we've got other players within our team that give us a variety that we need to cover other losses if that's required.
"Jimmy Tunstill will come into the side, he's been playing well in the reserves and been knocking on the door. He'll fill 'Bails' shoes and a few other players will take on some extra responsibility."
The Lions decided against recalling backman Conor McKenna from his recent hamstring injury due to the Irishman's heavily interrupted year to date, with the club to assess the defender's return over the next week should he get through the reserves clash unscathed.
Brisbane's VFL unit will host Geelong at Springfield on Saturday afternoon before the two AFL clubs battle at the Gabba at 7:30pm (AEST) later that evening.
