Sam Butler to Challenge VFL Suspension Before Grand Final

Hawthorn player Sam Butler is challenging a two-game suspension at the VFL Tribunal in hopes of participating in the Grand Final against Geelong this weekend.

The suspension was imposed by the VFL Match Review Panel following a high bump on Essendon's Harry Jones during the preliminary final. Butler could reduce the ban to one match with an early plea but would need to have the suspension overturned entirely to play in the decider.

The incident was classified as careless conduct with medium impact and high contact, warranting the two-match penalty. Butler had been performing well prior to the incident, averaging 25 disposals per game and scoring 15 goals in his last seven matches for Box Hill.