Merrett to miss two weeks, but May and Smith challenge MRP
BRISBANE Lions defender Daniel Merrett will miss the next two matches after entering an early guilty plea to a charge of striking Gold Coast's David Swallow.
He is one of nine players to accept their penalties from the Match Review Panel's assessment of round three.
However, Gold Coast's Steven May and Greater Western Sydney's Devon Smith will challenge their one-match suspensions at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
May has been charged with a level one engaging in rough conduct charge against Brisbane Lion Dayne Zorko, while Smith will fight his level two striking charge against Melbourne's Bernie Vince.
Both will still miss just one match if unsuccessful.
West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey will miss the Eagles' big clash with Geelong this Saturday night after accepting a one-match ban for striking St Kilda's Tom Curren.
Collingwood will be without on-baller Taylor Adams for its vital clash against Richmond on Friday night, with the youngster accepting a one-match suspension for bumping Geelong skipper Joel Selwood during the fourth quarter of Saturday night's 11-point loss to the Cats.
Gold Coast small forward Brandon Matera will miss Saturday's match against premier Hawthorn after accepting a one-match ban for a high bump on Lions captain Jed Adcock.
Richmond's pair Jack Riewoldt (tripping) and Matt Thomas (rough conduct) have both accepted reprimands and will be available to play the Magpies.
Adelaide's Josh Jenkins ($900 for making negligent contact with an umpire), Melbourne's Vince ($1950 for reckless contact with an umpire) and Port Adelaide ruckman Matthew Lobbe ($900 for negligent contact with an umpire) also accepted their sanctions.
The AFL wishes to advise the Tribunal will sit tonight at 5pm, Tuesday April 8, after the Gold Coast’s Steven May and Greater Western Sydney’s Devon Smith chose to contest the sanctions laid by the Match Review Panel from the weekend’s matches. Please also find below the detail of those sanctions accepted.