Melbourne AFL coach Mark Neeld has banned Sam Blease from the first round of the pre-season cup for arriving late to a compulsory meeting.
The 21-year-old defender had been stood down for Melbourne’s games against Brisbane and Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
Blease, who has played five senior games, has also been fined an undisclosed amount.
“We are building a high performance environment at Melbourne,” first-year coach Neeld said in a statement on Wednesday on the club’s website.
“We value greatly the need for preparation.
“By missing this meeting (on Tuesday morning), Sam has compromised his preparation for this weekend’s game and, therefore, won’t be available for selection this week.”
Blease will be considered for Melbourne’s pre-season cup round-two clash with Collingwood on March 3.