Essendon have decided against appealing star midfielder Zach Merrett's one-match suspension, ruling him out of Friday night's clash against Collingwood at the MCG, according to AFL Media.
Merrett was banned for striking Carlton's Jack Silvagni in Saturday night's clash.
The incident left the Blues forward with a bruised lung and fractured rib and ruled him out for the rest of the contest. He spent Saturday night in hospital.
MRO Michael Christian deemed the act as careless conduct and high impact following Carlton's medical report on Silvagni.
Merrett will be free to return for his side's Round 6 clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Shame to see Zach get a week. Incidents like that happen 20-30 times a game. He hit a sweet spot and outcome is just unlucky, no malicious intent whatsoever.
— Jack Silvagni (@jacksilvagni) June 29, 2020
