LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Zach Merrett of Essendon is awaiting a decision from the Match Review Officer following an incident involving Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey during their match, which ended in an 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63) victory for Essendon.
The Swans were left frustrated, feeling unfortunate to lose by just eight points, especially due to their poor goal-kicking performance.
In a critical moment late in the game, Merrett made contact with Blakey's head while playing the ball.
Blakey initially appeared motionless but quickly recovered to make a significant defensive play just a minute later, sprinting 30 meters to spoil an Essendon goal.
Subsequently, Blakey was assessed for a head injury and ruled out for the remainder of the game, though he later passed the assessment and is expected to be available for the next match.
Merrett's future participation depends on the MRO's ruling on his hit to Blakey.
He defended his actions post-game, stating, "I thought I tapped all ball; I was about to kick the goal.
I haven't seen it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Swans coach Dean Cox remarked, "Both people just going at the ball," indicating that he viewed the incident as a collision rather than a foul.