Essendon will head to the VFL Tribunal next week after deciding to challenge a three-game suspension handed down to fringe tall Sam Weideman following the weekend.
The VFL Match Review Panel handed Weideman a three-match ban for rough conduct on Carlton forward Harry Lemmey for an incident during the third term of Sunday’s game at Windy Hill.
The MRP graded the incident in question as careless conduct, high impact and high contact, resulting in a three-game suspension that could’ve been reduced to two matches with an early guilty plea.
The Bombers have instead decided to challenge the MRP’s findings and will roll the dice on Weideman’s suspension at the VFL Tribunal next week.
The incident in question sees both Weideman and Lemmey contest for a loose ball in Carlton’s forward 50, with the latter looking to have attempted to paddle the ball forward and went to ground by lowering his body in the process.
Coming from a different angle, Weideman collided with Lemmey high and did not seem to make contact with the ball. Lemmey, who was awarded a free kick, was left on the ground and was eventually helped from the field accompanied by medical staff.
We will be challenging Sam Weideman’s three-match VFL suspension for rough conduct.
The tribunal will sit next week. pic.twitter.com/sIAcFQNr9t
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) June 12, 2024
An unsuccessful challenge would see Weideman next available for selection come Round 16 against Casey, with the Bombers scheduled for a bye this weekend before matches against Gold Coast, Collingwood and Port Melbourne in the VFL
If Essendon can have the charge dismissed by successfully arguing Weideman was correctly contesting the ball, or that high contact was made due to circumstances outside of his control, he would be free to play against the Suns next Saturday.
A lowered impact grading at the Tribunal would see Weideman’s suspension reduced.
The former Demon has slotted into a defensive role under VFL coach Blake Caracella, averaging 12.4 disposals and 5.6 marks from nine appearances.
Weideman is yet to play at AFL level this year following a 16-game season under Brad Scott in his first season with the Bombers last year.
A suspension for Weideman in the VFL will also come into play for his AFL prospects, with Essendon scheduled to face West Coast, Geelong and Collingwood in their next three matches in the top flight.
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