Stevens suspended

VIDEO Carlton could be without star midfielder Nick Stevens for the first three rounds of the season after the match review panel suspended Stevens for a level two striking offence against Fremantle’s Nick Suban in their NAB Challenge match at Bunbury on Saturday. The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has one match suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 10 per cent to 137.50 points. He has also has 68.75 points carried over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 206.25 points and a two-match sanction. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 154.69 points and a one-match sanction. Stevens was already ruled out of the season opener against Richmond due to a suspension carrying over from end of last season and could risk missing the first three games if the Blues unsuccessfully contest the decision. Carlton utility Simon Wiggins was reported for engaging in rough conduct against Fremantle’s Greg Broughton, the match review panel assessed the incident but took no further action. Collingwood has received good news in that the match review panel took no action on the bump that Chris Bryan made on Joel Selwood. Melbourne’s Clint Bartram can accept a reprimand after being charged with making forceful contact from front-on against Daniel Giansiracusa of the Bulldogs.

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