Australia's best network.
afl.com.au
It wasn't the news Essendon fans wanted to hear tonight when Paul Barnard was found guilty of striking Luke Hodge in the second quarter of the Round 8 match against Hawthorn. Barnard received a two week suspension for the charge. It is the second time the premiership player has been suspended this season – he received a one match penalty for striking Simon Wiggins in the Round 3 match against Carlton.
Essendon captain James Hird has been cleared of any serious health concerns after an ultrasound this afternoon revealed a small blood clot in his calf muscle had resolved itself. The clot - which formed following a knee to the calf against Richmond - was detected last Saturday afternoon and there was some concern that Hird would require medication and three weeks on the sidelines to rid himself of the clot. ""It is good news - I think I was due for some luck,"" Hird said.
Read nowDons to play 17 games in Victoria.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based. We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders, past and present. We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia.
Up Next
