North Heidelberg captain Kyle McDonald to miss finals series after suspension

North Heidelberg will be without captain Kyle McDonald for Sunday’s preliminary final, and a possible grand final, after he was suspended for a high hit.

Kyle McDonald in action for North Heidelberg. Picture: Valeriu Campan

North Heidelberg captain Kyle McDonald has been rubbed out for the rest of the season.

The Bulldogs will head into a preliminary final without their leader after he was slapped with a two-match ban for a high bump in the semi-final win over Montmorency.

It means he’ll also miss the grand final should his club upset Bundoora on Sunday.

McDonald was handed a set penalty two-match suspension for rough conduct for a hit on Magpie Ben Paterson.

After handballing to a teammate, McDonald catches an unsuspecting Paterson high with a bump and he took no further part in the match.

It’s a disappointing post-script to an outstanding victory for North Heidelberg.

It has claimed back-to-back 57-point wins to end Hurstbridge and Montmorency’s seasons in cut-throat elimination and semi-finals.

McDonald would have been a key player against a strong Bundoora midfield.

PREVIEW: NFNL DIVISION 2 GRAND FINAL ANALYSIS

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

TALENT: THE TOP 30 GUNS IN NFNL DIVISION 2 IN 2023

The Bulldogs will also be without key player Billy Hogan for the preliminary final with his appeal against a four-match ban dismissed.

However, should the club qualify he will be available for the grand final.

Meanwhile, Montmorency pair Jaden Collins and Liam McMahon will both have delayed starts to 2024.

The pair were both given one-match bans in the aftermath of Sunday’s loss, Collins for rough conduct and McMahon for misconduct.