Carlton are reportedly preparing to appeal Harry McKay’s one-match striking ban at the Tribunal this week, according to Nine’s Damian Barrett.
McKay was handed the one-game ban after the MRO graded his high hit on North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel on Good Friday as careless, medium impact and high contact.
Harry McKay has been offered a one-match suspension for striking Harry Sheezel. pic.twitter.com/DTyccmHRIp
— AFL (@AFL) April 8, 2023
Kane Cornes believes McKay will almost certainly get his ban downgraded to a fine as he believes the hit, which didn’t injure the Roo, should be considered low impact instead.
“I think he plays next week,” Cornes said on AFL Nation.
“I think they’ll get it downgraded.
“It was graded as medium impact, I haven’t checked the chart but I’m assuming if they’re able to argue that’s low impact it’ll be a fine instead of a one-week suspension.
“If I’m certain of one thing this weekend it’s that Carlton will challenge that.
“It wasn’t medium impact, it was low, it was a stupid, clumsy thing to do and it deserves a fine, but he doesn’t deserve to miss a game for that.”
If McKay gets his ban reduced, he’ll be free to face Adelaide to kick off Gather Round at the Adelaide Oval next Thursday.
While the Crows will get a boost if McKay remains unavailable, Cornes believes Matthew Nicks’ side deserves to go in favourites whether the star Blue plays or not.
“They’d be happy (if he gets suspended), but I still think they start favourites, Adelaide,” Cornes said.
“Adelaide is a really good football team, they’re all buying into Matthew Nicks’ game plan.
“Their ability to pressure the opposition, turn the footy over and maximise the talent they have inside 50 is really good.
“If not for inaccuracy, they could be 3-1, if not 4-0 to start the year.”
The Gather Round-opener is set for 7:40 pm on Thursday.