Carlton will head to the AFL tribunal on Tuesday in a bid to clear Harry McKay to play in Thursday night’s Gather Round opener in Adelaide.
The Blues, having dissected footage of McKay’s high contact on North Melbourne young gun Harry Sheezel on Good Friday, believe they have a good case in a bid to have the star forward free to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
The Blues confirmed the appeal on Tuesday morning. The hearing will commence at 5pm.
The moment: Harry McKay’s contact on Harry Sheezel.Credit: afl.com.au / Twitter
McKay, fresh off his four goals in a 23-point win over the Kangaroos on Good Friday, was offered a one-match ban for striking Sheezel late in the final quarter at Marvel Stadium. Match review officer Michael Christian did not offer an incentive for an early plea.
McKay made contact with Sheezel’s head, the incident graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact. However, the Blues were quick to review the contact, with one angle showing McKay’s first contact appears to be high on the left arm of Sheezel, before the forearm slides up around Sheezel’s neck. Sheezel was not hurt and finished the game.
McKay’s absence would be a major blow, for he and fellow marking tall Charlie Curnow combined for 10 goals against the Kangaroos. The Crows are also on the march, having won two straight games.
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