Gary Ablett handed one-match ban for high elbow on Essendon's Dylan Shiel
Geelong star Gary Ablett has been handed a suspension for the first time in his 328-game career for a high elbow on Essendon's Dylan Shiel.
Ablett was reported for the incident which occurred in the first quarter of the Cats' 34-point win over the Bombers on Sunday, but was widely expected to escape suspension.
The 34-year-old's contact with the star Bomber was deemed as "Intentional Conduct with Low Impact and High Contact" by the Match Review Officer.
The Cats are almost certain to challenge the decision at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
Geelong's case at the tribunal should be aided by the fact that Shiel was able to run out the remainder of the match whilst showing no ill-effects from the blow.
Ablett's elbow to the side of Shiel's head was deemed as 'Intentional Conduct with Low Impact and High Contact' AAP
The decision from the AFL's Match Review Officer will come as a major surprise to Geelong coach Chris Scott who told reporters that he was comfortable that Ablett would get off without a suspension.
"What we have now is a really clear chart which is easy to get guidance from," Scott said after Sunday's win.
"That gives me comfort, but there's still a bit of interpretation there, isn't there.
"(Shiel) didn't just play out the game, he played pretty well. He played out the next two quarters without any problems.
"It was as insignificant as force could get I would've thought."
