Essendon suffered a major blow at the tribunal tonight when star defender Sean Wellman was outed for two matches after being found guilty of charging against the Western Bulldogs last Friday night. Wellman was reported on video evidence after colliding with Bulldog Rohan Smith - an incident which saw Smith knocked unconscious and carried from the ground. Wellman pleaded not guilty to the charge claiming he was simply running to the marking contest and looking to mark or punch the ball away meaning the contact was incidental.

Reporting umpire Bryan Sheehan was adamant in his testimony that Wellman's contact was late and that it was reckless and careless. The tribunal agreed the contact was unreasonable and suspended Wellman for two matches. Wellman has only been suspended once prior to tonight's hearing - he was suspended for one week after being found guilty of a striking charge against Fremantle in 1999.

Wellman will now miss this weekend's clash with Geelong and the Bombers' round 16 match with the Kangaroos. Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said the club was naturally disappointed with the outcome. ""Sean has been in excellent form. We are obviously disappointed but we are unlikely to appeal the decision,"" Drain said.