West Coast Eagles star Tim Kelly will be sidelined from the RAC Derby against Fremantle after his one-match suspension for rough conduct was upheld by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday.

Kelly challenged the one-match ban offered by the Match Review Officer after he was cited for a dangerous tackle on Adelaide’s Sam Berry that was deemed to be careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.

West Coast Eagles counsel David Grace QC, representing Kelly, argued the impact should have been graded as low instead of medium.

Adelaide’s medical report said Berry required no treatment after the incident and no ongoing treatment.

Giving evidence, Kelly said he tried to pull Berry away from the ball during the tackle to prevent him from kicking the Sherrin.

Kelly insisted he was aware of his responsibility as a tackler and his intention was not to cause Berry any harm, but to stop him disposing of the ball.

“I know he’s doing everything he can to get his foot to the ball and I’m just trying my best to not allow him to make that kick,” Kelly said.

“I was trying my best to complete the tackle and not allow my opponent to dispose of the ball.”

AFL counsel Andrew Woods argued that Kelly’s grip on Berry’s right arm as they fell to the ground left the Crow in a vulnerable position and at risk of injury.

The jury deliberated for 15 minutes before upholding the charge.