Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been suspended from this weekend's return match after breaching the AFL's coronavirus protocols.
Zerk-Thatcher was said to have self-reported to both the Bombers and and the AFL that he had "breached the living arrangement protocols" that each player and club official was required to follow.
After a club and AFL investigation, the league opted to suspend Zerk-Thatcher from Essendon's clash with Sydney on Sunday.
Both Essendon's general manager of football, Dan Richardson, and AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said Zerk-Thatcher was remorseful.
"All AFL players and staff are aware of their social responsibility to adhere to the return to play protocols," Richardson said.
"The club will continue to educate Brandon.
"Brandon will continue to train with the playing group and will be available for senior selection next week."
The 21-year-old has played only two AFL games so far in his fledgling career, including Essendon's round one win over Fremantle before the coronavirus shutdown.
He was in the mix again for selection against the Swans, but will now be forced to miss out.
