Carlton breathed a sigh of relief after star defender Jacob Weitering escaped suspension following his altercation with Toby Greene.
Weitering's contact with Greene's eye in the second quarter of the loss to GWS was deemed minor impact and negligent conduct. The reigning blues captain was fined $3,000 and was able to play in his first-ever final.
Giants forward Toby Bedford's place against St Kilda in the elimination final is in jeopardy after the streaker was handed a one-game suspension for his third-quarter clash with Zac Fisher, which was ruled medium impact and high contact.
GWS immediately confirmed it would appeal the suspension following Monday night's MRO ruling.
While Bedford is due to appear before the tribunal, Weitering can prepare for a clash with Sydney's key forwards at the MCG next Friday night as the Blues have also cleaned winger Blake Acres of any structural damage to his collarbone.
Acres is badly bruised but still has a good chance of being in the elimination finals.
Melbourne have suffered a devastating double injury decline after the final round of the AFL season. Scans confirm red-hot striker Jake Melksham has torn his cruciate ligament and will be sidelined for up to 12 months.
And in the VFL, veteran onballer Luke Dunstan suffered the same injury, wiping out any chance of a senior recall during the finals.
Melksham left the SCG in the third quarter of the Demons' Round 24 win over Sydney on Sunday afternoon after suffering a seemingly harmless left knee injury.
Initial fears over the 31-year-old, who had become a key part of Melbourne's offense by September, have come true, according to inquiries in Melbourne on Monday.
Melksham had scored 16 goals in nine games since retiring in the 16th round, including two against the Swans before his injury.
Melbourne manager Simon Goodwin said the loss of Melksham, who missed out on the club's 2021 Premier League win, will be hard felt for the club.
“I've been coaching Jake for 14 years and he just craves the opportunity to play in finals football on a successful team,” he said.
Dunstan suffered his injury earlier in the day and left the field before half-time in Casey's wildcard game against North Melbourne.
“Unfortunately, this afternoon's scans have confirmed the worst for Jake and Luke,” said Melbourne football chief Alan Richardson.
“It's incredibly disappointing news for both players, especially on the eve of an AFL and VFL Finals series. It really is a cruel part of our game.
“Jake and Luke have played a very important role for us over the past few weeks and they have done so with class and character. Losing them at this time is devastating, but I have no doubt they will bring the same attitude and dedication to their respective rehab facilities.
“Both players mean a lot to our football club and we will do everything we can to support them during this difficult time.”
The Demons finished fourth on the leaderboard and set up a blockbuster qualifier with Collingwood next Thursday night.
