Essendon is likely to appeal a two match suspension handed down to Dusitn Fletcher by the AFL tribunal tonight. Fletcher was found guilty of misconduct in that he allegedly made unreasonable and unnecessary contact to the leg of Chris Judd during the second quarter of the First Elimination Final at Colonial Stadium last Saturday. If the penalty stands Fletcher will not play again this season unless Essendon make the Grand Final.

Fletcher pleaded not guilty to the charge, citing that contact with Judd had been made with a leg that was raised in a bid to maintain his balance while trying to effect a tackle. Essendon also cited the shifting Colonial Stadium turf as a primary reason Fletcher had lost his balance. A number of players gave evidence to the tribunal testifying to this fact.