Sydney Swans veteran Luke Parker has been suspended for six games following an unsuccessful VFL Tribunal hearing, with the club announcing it will appeal the ban.
Parker was referred to the Tribunal after being charged with rough conduct on Frankston's Josh Smith, who suffered a concussion and facial fractures as a result of a bump from Parker last Friday.
The league's Match Review Panel graded Parker's actions as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
Sydney to appeal Luke Parkerโs six-game ban in the VFL. The Swans will challenge the severity of the ban.
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) May 22, 2024
The former Sydney captain fronted the Tribunal on Tuesday, where the VFL pressed for a six-game suspension.
Parker, who provided evidence during the hearing, pleaded guilty to the charge as the Swans looked to reduce the sanction argued by the VFL.
The Swans and Parker were not successful, with the Tribunal handing down a six-game suspension.
That ban will mean Parker is unavailable for selection at both AFL and VFL levels, with a return in the top flight now delayed until at least Round 18, with Sydney scheduled for a Round 12 bye.
Parker has not played at AFL level yet this year due to a broken arm sustained in the pre-season and the form of the Swans' senior side, which currently sits atop the AFL ladder with one loss from 10 matches.
