Sam Butler during the VFL Preliminary Final between Box Hill and Essendon at Box Hill City Oval, September 12th, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

BOX HILL will be without Sam Butler for this weekend's VFL Grand Final after failing to overturn his two-match suspension at the VFL Appeal Board on Thursday.

Butler will sit out the VFL decider against Geelong on Sunday and also be unavailable for selection in the AFL after being banned for two games for a high bump on Essendon's Harry Jones.

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Butler could have accepted a one-match ban with an early plea, which would have made him available for the AFL Grand Final should Hawthorn overcome Brisbane this Saturday, and should the Hawks need reinforcements for the season decider.

But the Hawks challenged the suspension at the VFL Tribunal and were unsuccessful, resulting in the two-game ban.

However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that Box Hill would take the matter to the VFL Appeal Board.

While he has played only eight senior games this year, most recently in round 22, Butler offers Sam Mitchell an option as a small forward who can go into the midfield if required.

Key forward Calsher Dear also fell foul of the MRO on Monday, handed a fine for misconduct, but he is available to play this weekend.