Melbourne Demons forward Jacob van Rooyen will miss the rest of the AFL season after the tribunal upheld his three-game suspension for striking. The incident occurred during the Demons' round 23 match against Collingwood, where van Rooyen struck Magpies defender Brayden Maynard.
The Demons argued the ban was excessive, but the tribunal ruled the strike was intentional and had sufficient impact. As a result, van Rooyen is unavailable for the finals series, a significant blow to Melbourne's premiership hopes.
Van Rooyen has been a key contributor this season, kicking 25 goals in 20 games. His absence leaves a void in the forward line as the Demons prepare for their elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin expressed disappointment but accepted the tribunal's decision, saying the team must adapt. The Demons will now rely on other forwards to step up in van Rooyen's absence.
