Joe argued that he had attempted to kick the ball and couldn't pull his knee out before the contact was made.Essendon called on expert evidence from a biomechanic, Pat McLachlan, who supported Joe's version of events.
The sentence would have been more severe if it wasn't for Joe's good record, as tribunal chairman Brian Collis thought it was reckless and worthy of a lengthy suspension.
Steve Alessio was suspended for 2 weeks for striking West Coast's David Wirrpunda during the same game.
His charge for striking Andrew Donnelly was not sustained. As such Steve will miss the matches against Collingwood and Richmond, and will return for the last game against Melbourne.
