Zach Merrett has been offered a one-week suspension by the Match Review Panel following an incident with Carlton’s Lachie Plowman.

The Crichton Medal winner was charged with striking. The incident was assessed as intentional conduct with medium impact to the body. 

That equated to a two-match ban, but Merrett can accept a one-week penalty with an early plea.

Joe Daniher was also charged following a separate strike but he can accept a $1,500 fine.

Here are the official findings of the Match Review Panel:

Zach Merrett, Essendon, has been charged with striking Lachie Plowman, Carlton, during the second quarter of the Round 20 match between Essendon and Carlton, played at the MCG on Saturday August 5, 2017. 

In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea. 

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Carlton Football Club, the incident was assessed as an intentional conduct with medium impact to the body. The incident was classified as a two-match sanction. The player has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. An early plea enables the player to accept a one-match sanction. 

Joe Daniher, Essendon, has been charged with striking Blaine Boekhorst, Carlton, during the third quarter of the Round 20 match between Essendon and Carlton, played at the MCG on Saturday August 5, 2017.

In summary, he can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea.

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Carlton Football Club, the incident was assessed as a careless conduct with low impact to the head. The incident was a second classifiable offence this season and classified as a $2500 sanction. An early plea enables the player to accept a $1500 sanction.