Archer learns AFL Tribunal fate after collision that knocked out Bulldog

Jackson Archer has lost his AFL Tribunal hearing for a rough conduct charge and will miss the next three North Melbourne games.

The small defender received the ban from the Match Review Officer after being involved in a collision with Bulldog Luke Cleary in Saturday’s loss at Marvel Stadium.

Cleary was left unconscious as a result of the collision as Archer’s knee connected with his head as he went for a ground ball. The Kangaroo attacked the contest from the front but didn’t go to ground in the same manner as Cleary. 

The incident was graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact. Cleary was stretchered off the field.

Fronting the Tribunal on Tuesday night, Archer and the Roos argued that his action in the circumstance was not unreasonable, noting that he didn’t slow down much before the collision as he had no idea which way the ‘egg-shaped’ ball would bounce.

The AFL argued that Archer’s actions were rough and unreasonable. They also suggested that Archer never really had a play on the ball.

Unfortunately for the Archer, the Tribunal sided with the league.

Archer will be unavailable for North Melbourne's clashes against the Demons, Crows and Swans.