Sam Butler to Miss VFL Grand Final Due to Suspension

Sam Butler of Hawthorn is set to miss the Box Hill Hawks' VFL Grand Final against Geelong after receiving a two-match suspension from the VFL Match Review Panel. This decision follows a high bump incident involving Essendon's Harry Jones during the preliminary final.

Butler has the option to reduce his ban to one match by submitting an early plea, but he would need to have the suspension overturned entirely to participate in the upcoming match. The incident was classified as careless conduct with medium impact and high contact, leading to the two-match penalty.

In the lead-up to the preliminary final, Butler had been performing well, averaging 25 disposals per game and scoring 15 goals over his last seven matches. Additionally, his teammate Calsher Dear received a $300 fine for misconduct during the same match, which could be reduced with an early guilty plea.