Luke Parker sent straight to trial, veteran Swan, VFL attacker, will he leave at end of season, breaking news, suspension

Sydney veteran Luke Parker was sent straight to the VFL tribunal after hitting a Frankston player headfirst last Friday night.

Parker’s looming suspension comes at an unfortunate time for the 31-year-old, who has been lobbying for a recall from the AFL for weeks after missing the start of the season with a broken arm.

Since the league can suspend a player for four weeks without going to court, it is believed the VFL will seek a minimum five-week ban, according to Fox Footy’s David Zita.

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His hit on Frankston’s Josh Smith resulted in the Dolphin being taken to hospital and suffering serious facial injuries, particularly to his cheekbone.

Initial footage of the bump wasn’t particularly clear, but Parker can be seen making violent contact with Smith, who was subsequently taken to hospital, according to Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph.

Parker, 31, hasn’t had an ideal start to his 14th AFL season. He recovered from his broken arm in pre-season but remained in the reserves due to the AFL Swans’ excellent form.

Parker has averaged 30.3 disposals and 6.5 tackles in four games with Sydney’s VFL team this year.

A shoulder injury to Robbie Fox could have potentially allowed the inside midfielder his way back into the team, but he is now likely to have to wait several weeks before he can return for the Swans’ senior team.