Dees star's ban upheld as AFL tribunal rejects biomechanist evidence bid
The AFL tribunal bars Melbourne from using a biomechanist to defend star forward Jacob van Rooyen as his three-match suspension for striking Aliir Aliir is upheld.
Melbourne's star player Jacob van Rooyen has been handed a three-match suspension for striking Aliir Aliir, and his ban has been upheld by the AFL tribunal. The Demons had attempted to overturn or reduce the punishment by presenting biomechanist evidence, but their bid was denied. The suspension means Melbourne will need to win two finals matches for van Rooyen to play again this season.
Van Rooyen is currently having a career-best season, kicking 42 goals in 22 games. The Demons forward was charged after concussing Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir in a marking contest at Adelaide Oval. The tribunal found the impact to be severe and careless, rejecting Melbourne's argument that van Rooyen was merely trying to contest the mark.
The verdict means the Melbourne forward will miss the final home-and-away game against the Western Bulldogs, and will require two finals wins to return this season.
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