West Coast's Jeremy McGovern fails to have ban overturned

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West Coast's Jeremy McGovern fails to have ban overturned image

West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern won't play in this Saturday's clash with Hawthorn after the AFL upheld his one-match suspension for rough conduct on Tuesday night.

McGovern was charged after shoving Essendon's Matt Guelfi into the fence during last Thursday night's match against Essendon, the Bomber clipping a plastic chair on the way through.

Guelfi was taken to hospital for scans in the back of a taxi, suffering from "mild concussion", according to the Bombers.

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However, the 21-year-old was cleared of structural damage and flew home from Perth the next day after having his ribs and lungs assessed.

McGovern pleaded not guilty and claimed he was justified in blocking Guelfi's run in the circumstances.

But his appeal proved fruitless as the jury upheld his suspension after a one-hour hearing, rubbishing the Eagles' claim that Guelfi may not have been injured if not for a security guard's chair situated near the boundary.

McGovern was disappointed with the outcome but said he was glad Guelfi was not seriously hurt.

"We got a fair hearing. It is what it is and I’ll cop the week," he said following the hearing.

"I’m just glad Matt’s health is okay. That was my main concern."

 

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