Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett has accepted a one-match ban and will miss the Bombers' clash with Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Merrett was cited for striking Carlton’s Lachie Plowman during the second term of the club’s eight-point win over the Blues on Saturday at the MCG. The MRP deemed the incident as intentional and of medium impact to the body.

Essendon decided not to contest the ban, which was reduced from two matches to one after an early guilty plea from the reigning Crichton Medallist.

Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins will be free to play after accepting a reduced $1,000 sanction for wrestling with Port Adelaide utility Jackson Trengove in the second quarter of Sunday’s Showdown win.

Trengove has accepted a reduced $2,500 fine following his third offence for wrestling.

 

MATCH REVIEW PANEL STATEMENT:

Zach Merrett, Essendon, has been charged with striking Lachie Plowman, Carlton, during the second quarter of the Round 20 match between Essendon and Carlton, played at the MCG on Saturday August 5, 2017. 

In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea. 

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Carlton Football Club, the incident was assessed as an intentional conduct with medium impact to the body. The incident was classified as a two-match sanction. The player has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. An early plea enables the player to accept a one-match sanction. 

Joe Daniher, Essendon, has been charged with striking Blaine Boekhorst, Carlton, during the third quarter of the Round 20 match between Essendon and Carlton, played at the MCG on Saturday August 5, 2017.

In summary, he can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea.

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Carlton Football Club, the incident was assessed as a careless conduct with low impact to the head. The incident was a second classifiable offence this season and classified as a $2500 sanction. An early plea enables the player to accept a $1500 sanction.