Geelong star Gary Ablett cops first ban of AFL career
Geelong superstar Gary Ablett will serve the first suspension of his decorated 331-game career after the Cats chose not to challenge his penalty for striking Gold Coast's Anthony Miles.
Ablett will miss Saturday's clash with Sydney at GMHBA Stadium after accepting the one-match ban applied by match review officer Michael Christian.
The 35-year-old lashed out with his right fist and made contact with Miles' jaw during Geelong's 27-point win over his old side at Metricon Stadium.
However, Miles was able to play out the match apparently unhindered.
Gary Ablett suspended AAP
Ablett argued that he had been clumsy and undisciplined, but that the action deserved a free kick only.
Christian assessed it as intentional, low impact and high contact, resulting in a one-game suspension.
The Cats' decision not to contest the charge is not surprising given Ablett's recent run of ill-discipline and their desire to give the veteran a rest in any case.
Ablett escaped suspensions for much-debated high hits on Essendon's Dylan Shiel and North Melbourne's Sam Wright in the past month.
The AFL tribunal won't sit on Tuesday night after GWS star Toby Greene, Melbourne's Clayton Oliver and St Kilda's Luke Dunstan all accepted fines for striking.
