MELBOURNE’S Kysaiah Pickett has had his one-match suspension for Rough Conduct upheld at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night. 

The decision comes after the club appealed the Match Review Officer’s grading of Careless Conduct, High Contact, Medium Impact. 

Melbourne’s GM of AFL Performance Alan Richardson said the club accepted the Tribunal’s decision.

“We challenged the decision tonight with the hope of downgrading the impact from medium, to low,” Richardson said. 

“We understand how serious it is to protect the head and we support the AFL’s work in this space, as player safety is paramount. We accept and understand the Tribunal’s decision tonight.

“Kozzy is someone whose intensity and attack on the ball are hallmarks of his game, which we love and appreciate. We understand the need to ensure Kozzy can harness these parts of his game, in a way which protects the head and is within the rules.”

The incident between Pickett and Adelaide’s Jake Soligo occurred in the second term of the Demons’ Round 4 match.  

As a result of the ruling, Pickett will be unavailable for selection during Melbourne’s Round 5 game against Brisbane.