East Coast will have to defend its NTFA second division premiership without Michael Musicka after the star midfielder was handed a three-week suspension.
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One of the Swans' best in last year's grand final win, Musicka was called to attend a tribunal at the NTFA's offices on Wednesday night following an incident in last Sunday's clash with St Pats.
The incident, which was captured on video, occurred in the final quarter and resulted in a concussion and serious ear injury to Saint Jono Lawrence.
Lawrence required 16 stitches in his ear and is not expected to play again this year.
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East Coast president Stephen Walley was not willing to comment on whether his club would challenge the ruling, but said the Swans were "disappointed" to have Musicka suspended for the season's remainder.
"East Coast Swans are extremely disappointed on behalf of Michael for him not being able to participate in the remaining finals games," Walley said.
NTFA president Scott Rigby declined to comment on the incident.
"As the president of the competition I won't be making any comment on the independent tribunal's rulings," Rigby said.
Musicka joined the Swans in mid-2017 following successful stints with Launceston and South Launceston in the TSL, which included a runner-up finish in the 2012 Tassie Medal.
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Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
