Essendon will be without rugged utility Paul Barnard this weekend after he was suspended for one week by the AFL tribunal tonight. Barnard was cited on video evidence for striking Richard Taylor of West Coast in the final quarter of last Saturday night's match at Subiaco. It was sweet and sour news for Barnard who will miss an important match against Richmond this Friday night but will at least be fresh for the Bombers first final the following week. It was Barnard's second appearance at the tribunal and his second suspension - the first coming back in 1995.

Barnard pleaded not guilty to the striking charge. The tribunal said the contact had not been violent but deemed it was wreckless and suspended him for a week.