Essendon captain Zach Merrett may come under the microscope of the Match Review Officer for a dangerous tackle on Tom Sparrow in Saturday’s win over Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter of the clash with Merrett giving away a high free kick before driving the Demon into the ground with a strong tackle.
Could Zach Merrett be in doubt for the ANZAC Day clash with Collingwood? @DavidZita1 explains why the captain could be in hot water... 🤨 pic.twitter.com/Y1pzlWGN5Z
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) April 16, 2023
Given that several players have received bans this year for dangerous tackles, SEN’s Tom Morris can see Merrett receiving a one-week ban as similar incidents have been handed that punishment so far this year.
“Reckon Zach Merrett is in some trouble here,” Morris Tweeted.
“1 week would be consistent with previous incidents.
“Essendon would surely take it to the Tribunal ahead of Anzac Day and try to argue the impact down from medium to low.”
Reckon Zach Merrett is in some trouble here. 1 week would be consistent with previous incidents. Essendon would surely take it to the tribunal ahead of Anzac Day & try to argue the impact down from medium to low. @1116sen #CrunchTime https://t.co/fnnLXoDayE
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) April 16, 2023
If Merrett is banned, it’s likely that the MRO will have graded the tackle as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
If the gun Bomber does receive a suspension, Essendon will have the option of challenging the decision at the Tribunal, which would likely take place on Tuesday evening.
Essendon next face Collingwood in their traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG.