MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Zach Merrett of the Bombers in action during the 2017 AFL round 18 match between the Essendon Bombers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Former North Melbourne champion, Brent Harvey says he expects Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett to been suspended by the Match Review Panel on Monday afternoon.

Merrett punched Carlton defender Lachie Plowman in the stomach during a scuffle during the Bombers' narrow win over Carlton.

Speaking on FoxSports' Game Day Live, Harvey said judging by recent MRP results, Merrett must be banned, particularly given Brisbane's Dayne Zorko was suspended for one week for a similar incident last week.

“Well, he gets a week for it, it’s simple as that,” Harvey said.

“If you’re going on the past, I think he’s got to get a week for it.

“There’s no need for that, we’ve all done it a few times.

“But there’s no need for that — they look like they could play finals and is he going to miss a week for it?

“It doesn’t derail his season, he’s had such an amazing season. He just doesn’t need to do that — they were clearly frustrated with a couple of little things going on off the ball.”

Essendon host Adelaide at Etihad Stadium next Saturday night.