Essendon defender Jayden Laverde has been hit with a fine after being found guilty of striking during Essendon's Friday night loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Laverde drew the ire of the match review officer for intentionally striking Bulldog Rhylee West to the body during the second quarter of the defeat.
Laverde was levelled with a $3000 fine for the first offence action, however, said penalty can be worked back to $2000 should the 27-year-old enter an early guilty plea.
Without a suspension recorded, Laverde will be available to take his place in Brad Scott's side when they do battle against Sydney at Marvel Stadium next Saturday night.
Still, it is yet to be determined whether Laverde will be joined behind the ball by fellow stopper Jordan Ridley after the Crichton Medal left Friday night's loss with a quad injury.
Scans are yet to reveal the extent of Ridley's strain and just how much time - if any - the defender will miss in Essendon's run toward finals.
Currently ninth on the ladder before Sunday's slate of games, the Bombers will need to bounce back against the ilk of Sydney (H), West Coast (H), North Melbourne (A), GWS (A) and Collingwood (H).
