Franklin suspended for two AFL games

Hawthorn will enter Saturday's must-win AFL game against Essendon without star
forward Lance Franklin, who lost his challenge at the tribunal on Tuesday night.
Franklin was suspended for two games after he was found guilty of engaging in rough
conduct against Richmond's Ben Cousins at the MCG last Saturday night.
The Hawks could have accepted a one-game ban with an early guilty plea, but their
failed gamble means Franklin's season could be over even if the Hawks reach the
finals.
Hawthorn and the Bombers play a virtual elimination final on Saturday, as the winner
will claim eighth spot and the loser will miss the finals.
Franklin's suspension means even if the Hawks beat the Bombers, they will be without
the reigning Coleman medallist for the elimination final the following weekend.
Franklin's case was the only one held at the tribunal.
North Melbourne's Andrew Swallow and Melbourne's Mark Jamar both earlier pleaded
guilty to making contact with umpires on the weekend, and were each fined $1,950