MELBOURNE will appeal the decision made by the AFL Tribunal in relation to the striking charge made against key forward Jacob van Rooyen. 

Melbourne will now fight the three-week suspension, graded by the Match Review Officer as careless conduct, high impact and severe impact, at the AFL Appeals Board on Thursday night. 

The Demon forward received the sanction after making contact with the head of Aliir Aliir during a marking contest on Saturday night during the club's Round 23 clash with the Power.  

The club initially contested the sanction on Tuesday night at the AFL Tribunal, arguing van Rooyen’s sole intention was to contest the mark.

After deliberation, the AFL Tribunal decided that van Rooyen’s three-match suspension for striking would be upheld. 

The club will appeal to the AFL Appeals Board, with the hearing set to take place tomorrow night at 5:30pm.

00:42

RD 23 | Fireworks erupt after Dee’s stray arm floors milestone man

Jacob van Rooyen’s late contact on Aliir Aliir ignites a scuffle before the Power defender is helped from the field