Sydney Swans defender Ted Richards is free to play against Collingwood on Friday night after accepting a fine for rough conduct against Tom Hawkins.

The avaialblity of Richards is a boost for the Swans with Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke looking likely to return from injury in Friday night's blockbuster at the SCG.

Richards accepted a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea after the incident was assessed as careless, low impact and high contact.

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Geelong Cats Football Club, the incident was assessed as careless conduct with low impact to the head.

The incident was classified as a $1500 sanction. The player has no applicable bad record. An early plea enables the player to accept a $1000 sanction.

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Ted Richards will line up against Collingwood on Friday night after escaping a suspension.