Aliir Aliir and Jacob van Rooyen collide during the match between Port Adelaide and Melbourne at Adelaide Oval in round 23, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

MELBOURNE forward Jacob van Rooyen will miss the next three games after his striking ban was upheld at the Tribunal on Tuesday.

The Demon's swinging arm collected Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir in the head as he went to spoil a mark late in the second quarter of Melbourne's 76-point on Saturday night.

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Aliir hit the ground and did not move for several seconds, before eventually being helped to his feet by trainers and walking from the field. However, he failed his subsequent HIA test and did not return to the field in his 200th game.

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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

The Match Review Officer graded the incident careless, high contact and severe impact, leading to van Rooyen being offered a three-game ban.

Despite the Demons putting forward a strong case, the Tribunal members agreed with the MRO and the ban was upheld

Van Rooyen booted two goals as the Demons ran out comfortable winners against Port to keep themselves entrenched in the top six with one round left and his absence is a massive blow to the Dees' hopes of going deep in September.

He has kicked 42 goals from 22 games this season

More to come