AFL Finals 2023: Weitering escapes suspension as ACL confirmed for Melksham

The MRO has handed down its verdicts on Jacob Weitering and Toby Bedford as two Demons suffer finals heartbreak.

Jake Melksham is helped from the SCG on Sunday. Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Carlton has breathed a sigh of relief after star defender Jacob Weitering dodged suspension following his altercation with Toby Greene.

Weitering’s contact with Greene’s eye during the second quarter of the loss to GWS was deemed to be low impact and careless conduct, with the acting Blues skipper receiving a $3k fine and free to play in his first ever final.

Giants forward Toby Bedford’s spot against St Kilda in the elimination final is in jeopardy after the speedster was offered a one-match ban for his third quarter bump on Zac Fisher, which was graded as medium impact and high contact.

GWS immediately confirmed it would challenge the suspension following the MRO ruling on Monday night.

While Bedford will have to appear at the tribunal, Weitering will be free to prepare for a tussle with Sydney’s key forwards at the MCG next Friday night, as the Blues also cleared wingman Blake Acres of any structural damage to his collarbone.

Blake Acres has not fractured his collarbone and could play against Sydney in the Blues’ elimination final. Picture: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

Acres has heavy bruising but remains a good chance to feature in the elimination final.

Melbourne has copped a devastating double injury blow after the final round of the AFL season with scans confirming red-hot forward Jake Melksham has torn his ACL and will be sidelined for up to 12 months.

And in the VFL, veteran onballer Luke Dunstan suffered the same injury, ending any chance of a senior recall during the finals.

Melksham left the SCG during the third quarter of the Demons’ round 24 win over Sydney on Sunday afternoon following the seemingly innocuous injury to his left knee.

After scans on Monday in Melbourne, initial fears were realised for the 31-year-old who had become a crucial part of the Melbourne forward line in the run to September.

Melksham had kicked 16 goals in nine games since his recall in round 16, including two against the Swans before his injury.

Heartbreak. 💔

Scans have confirmed the devastating news that both Jake Melksham + Luke Dunstan have sustained ACL injuries.

📝 | https://t.co/4dYTNCVWpNpic.twitter.com/h9ovaq8t9d

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 28, 2023

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said the loss of Melksham, who missed the club’s 2021 premiership win, would be felt hard at the club.

“I‘ve coached Jake for a long time, 14 years, and he’s just craving the opportunity to play in a successful team in finals footy,” he said.

Dunstan suffered his injury earlier in the day, leaving the ground prior to half time in Casey’s Wildcard match against North Melbourne.

“Unfortunately, scans confirmed the worst for Jake and Luke this afternoon,” Melbourne’s football boss Alan Richardson said.

“It is incredibly disappointing news for both players, particularly on the eve of an AFL and VFL finals series. It really is a cruel part of our game.

“Jake and Luke have played very important roles for us in recent weeks and have done so with class and character. It is devastating to lose them at this point, but I have no doubt they will apply the same attitude and commitment to their respective rehabs.

“Both players mean a lot to our football club, and we will be doing everything we can to support them through this difficult time.”

The Demons finished fourth on the ladder, setting up a blockbuster qualifying final with Collingwood next Thursday night.

Originally published as AFL Finals 2023: Weitering escapes suspension as ACL confirmed for Melksham