Carlton will contest Patrick Cripps’ two-match ban at the AFL’s Appeals Board on Thursday night.
Cripps was suspended for two games for engaging in rough conduct on Brisbane’s Callum Ah Chee and had his initial appeal upheld at the Tribunal on Tuesday night.
The Blues will now make a last-ditch attempt to overturn or reduce Cripps’ ban.
As things stand, the star midfielder will miss Carlton’s final two home and away games against Melbourne and Collingwood.
The Blues need to win at least one of those to make the finals.
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sports day co-host Sam McClure asked: “Is this one final throw at the stumps to get Patrick Cripps back for the Collingwood game which they’re probably going to need to win to make the eight?”
Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy replied: “That’s exactly what it is.
“I can’t see it getting up simply on the history of appeals. It’s a rarity that they overturn it.”
Richmond great Matthew Richardson also doubts whether the Blues can successfully appeal the suspension.
“Why wouldn’t they have a crack at this? This is season on the line stuff,” Richardson said.
“They want to play finals and the midfield is decimated and they need Patrick Cripps for at least one of those games.
“I can’t see how they can get off it.”
Carlton’s appeal starts at 6pm AEST on Thursday night.
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