Liam Ryan: West Coast striker escapes suspension after high kick on St Kilda’s Liam Stocker

West Coast star Liam Ryan will be available for the Western Derby 59 after the prolific forward avoided a suspension for a high push on St Kilda’s Liam Stocker at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Ryan was able to avoid a ban after the AFL ruled that the Eagle “did not choose to take the jab and his conduct was not unreasonable”.

This means the 27-year-old star will be available for the Eagles when they face arch-rivals Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

Ryan caught Stocker with a high kick as he ran past the Saints midfielder in the second period.

Stocker followed HIA protocols but was declared fit, suffered no concussion and returned to the field to finish the game.

“Stocker takes possession of the ball and attempts to withdraw from the contest as the referee blows his whistle. Ryan runs towards the middle of the field and sees Stocker running into his path,” the AFL said.

“Ryan swerves to avoid Stocker, but Stocker stumbles and accelerates forward and down, right into Ryan’s path.

“Ryan prepares for impact and a collision occurs. The MRO found that Ryan did not choose to impact and his conduct was not unreasonable under the circumstances. No further action was taken.”