Jackson Archer’s Three-Game Ban Confirmed After AFL Tribunal Hearing: ‘It’s Too Little, Too Late’

North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer has been handed a suspension following a serious clash with Luke Cleary during the team’s opening round defeat against the Western Bulldogs.

The 22-year-old was reported by the Match Review Officer after the incident, who recommended a three-match suspension for the Kangaroos midfielder.

Archer appeared before the tribunal on Tuesday afternoon but was ultimately unsuccessful after the panel deliberated for over an hour.

The tribunal concluded that Archer’s actions constituted rough conduct, with chairman Jeff Gleeson stating, “he slowed down too little, too late” before making contact.

Archer’s actions were regarded as unreasonable given the circumstances, qualifying as careless contact, with severe impact and high contact deemed inappropriate.

During the hearing, Archer revealed that he had reached out to Cleary via text the day after the incident, with the Bulldogs player acknowledging that it was not Archer’s fault.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has also voiced support for the opposing player.

“I believe we can approach this with a civil law perspective,” he stated.

“Considering the balance of probabilities, was there intent? Did Jackson Archer intend to clean up Luke Cleary? No, he did not. There was never a moment where he wanted to injure Luke, in my opinion.

“So, based on what I hope for, I don’t believe he should be banned from the game.”