In AFL, the Kangaroos Brent Harvey is facing a one-match suspension for rough play.

The team is hoping to free its champion midfielder, so he’ll be able to play in the preliminary final against the Sydney Swans.

Lauren Penny reports.

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Geelong’s Joel Selwood was forced from the field in Friday night’s semi-final under the blood rule, with a cut above his eye.

The Geelong skipper pledged to support Brent Harvey at the AFL tribunal saying it was an accident.

North Melbourne great Wayne Carey criticised the AFL’s match review panel, labelling the ban a disgrace.

Wayne Carey, Former AFL player: “I think it’s a disgraceful decision. I think the MRP has to have a good look at itself and maybe scrap the MRP and go back to the old tribunal system where players can go in and defend themselves.”

The suspension means the 383-game veteran faced missing the Kangaroos’ first preliminary final in seven years.

Meanwhile, there’s good news for the Hawks, with Cyril Rioli likely to return from a hamstring injury.

Swans premiership defender Nick Malceski also looks set to return from a hamstring injury.

Lauren Penny, QUT News.