Mellier will miss almost half of next season after copping the ban following an investigation into an incident that left Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s Peter Winnett with a broken jaw during the Tallangatta league finals series.

Thurgoona football manager Brendan Roberson said the Bulldogs were disappointed by the outcome but there was little they could do about it.

“We were hopeful things would play out differently but the decision is what it is,” Roberson said.

“Nobody wants to see what happened happen, but I think everyone knows that doesn’t represent Lucas as a player.

“That’s not what he’s about.

“We felt strongly enough about it to challenge to seek a reduction but unfortunately we haven’t got one.

“That’s the way it is and we move on.”

The appeal was heard via video link in Melb-ourne.

Mellier wasn’t reported when the incident occ-urred but was cited on video in the days after the second semi-final.

Winnett missed out on a premiership as a result of the clash, with Kiewa-Sandy Creek going on to claim the flag against Mitta United.

The appeals board found no reason to change the sanction and said it was “reasonable” given the circumstances.

Thurgoona, which again bowed out of the finals in disappointing fashion, announced last week that Peter Copley would be replacing Jason Sheather as coach at the kennel next year.