Carlton has breathed a sigh of reduction after star defender Jacob Weitering dodged suspension following his altercation with Toby Greene.
Weitering’s contact with Greene’s eye through the second quarter of the loss to GWS was deemed to be low influence and careless conduct, with the performing Blues skipper receiving a $3k superb and free to play in his first ever ultimate.
Giants ahead Toby Bedford’s spot in opposition to St Kilda within the elimination ultimate is in jeopardy after the speedster was supplied a one-match ban for his third quarter bump on Zac Fisher, which was graded as medium influence and excessive contact.
GWS instantly confirmed it will problem the suspension following the MRO ruling on Monday night time.
While Bedford must seem on the tribunal, Weitering will probably be free to organize for a tussle with Sydney’s key forwards on the MCG subsequent Friday night time, because the Blues additionally cleared wingman Blake Acres of any structural harm to his collarbone.
Acres has heavy bruising however stays likelihood to characteristic within the elimination ultimate.
Melbourne has copped a devastating double harm blow after the ultimate spherical of the AFL season with scans confirming red-hot ahead Jake Melksham has torn his ACL and will probably be sidelined for as much as 12 months.
And within the VFL, veteran onballer Luke Dunstan suffered the identical harm, ending any likelihood of a senior recall through the finals.
Melksham left the SCG through the third quarter of the Demons’ spherical 24 win over Sydney on Sunday afternoon following the seemingly innocuous harm to his left knee.
After scans on Monday in Melbourne, preliminary fears have been realised for the 31-year-old who had develop into a vital a part of the Melbourne ahead line within the run to September.
Melksham had kicked 16 objectives in 9 video games since his recall in spherical 16, together with two in opposition to the Swans earlier than his harm.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin mentioned the lack of Melksham, who missed the membership’s 2021 premiership win, could be felt exhausting on the membership.
“I‘ve coached Jake for a long time, 14 years, and he’s just craving the opportunity to play in a successful team in finals footy,” he mentioned.
Dunstan suffered his harm earlier within the day, leaving the bottom previous to half time in Casey’s Wildcard match in opposition to North Melbourne.
“Unfortunately, scans confirmed the worst for Jake and Luke this afternoon,” Melbourne’s soccer boss Alan Richardson mentioned.
“It is incredibly disappointing news for both players, particularly on the eve of an AFL and VFL finals series. It really is a cruel part of our game.
“Jake and Luke have played very important roles for us in recent weeks and have done so with class and character. It is devastating to lose them at this point, but I have no doubt they will apply the same attitude and commitment to their respective rehabs.
“Both players mean a lot to our football club, and we will be doing everything we can to support them through this difficult time.”
The Demons completed fourth on the ladder, establishing a blockbuster qualifying ultimate with Collingwood subsequent Thursday night time.
Originally printed as AFL Finals 2023: Weitering escapes suspension as ACL confirmed for Melksham
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
