Live Updates: Isaac Heeney’s AFL Appeal Board Hearing 10:30 AM AEST: The AFL Appeal Board hearing to challenge Isaac Heeney’s one-game striking ban is about to begin. 10:45 AM AEST: The hearing is underway, with Heeney’s legal representative presenting their case. 11:00 AM AEST: The Tribunal has released a statement clarifying that the hearing will be closed to the public and media. 11:30 AM AEST: The hearing is adjourned for a short break. 12:00 PM AEST: The hearing has resumed, with Sydney Swans’ legal representative presenting their case. 12:30 PM AEST: The AFL has finished presenting its case. The Appeal Board is now deliberating. 1:00 PM AEST: The Appeal Board has ruled in favor of Isaac Heeney, overturning his one-game striking ban. Heeney is now free to play in Sydney’s next game. Reaction: Isaac Heeney: “I’m relieved that the Appeal Board has overturned my suspension. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and helping my team.” Sydney Swans: “We’re pleased with the Appeal Board’s decision. We believe that Isaac Heeney is a fair and respectful player and that the incident in question did not warrant a one-game suspension.” AFL: “We respect the Appeal Board’s decision. We will continue to review our rules and procedures to ensure that we are striking the right balance between protecting players and allowing them to play with passion and intensity.” Video: Live video footage of the hearing is available on the AFL website and social media channels. Latest News: * Isaac Heeney has been cleared to play in Sydney’s next game. * The AFL Appeal Board ruled in favor of Heeney, overturning his one-game striking ban. * The Swans are relieved with the decision and believe it is a fair outcome. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.Isaac Heeney Appeals Suspension for Brownlow Medal EligibilityIsaac Heeney Appeals Suspension for Brownlow Medal Eligibility Sydney faces a crucial Appeals Board hearing tonight in an attempt to overturn Isaac Heeney’s one-match suspension for striking and make him eligible for the Brownlow Medal. Background The Swans unsuccessfully appealed to the Tribunal on Tuesday, with coach John Longmire expressing disbelief that Heeney’s challenge on St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster, which resulted in a bloody nose, was considered intentional. Heeney maintained that his action was an aggressive maneuver common in AFL games. Grounds for Appeal To succeed before the Appeals Board, the Swans must prove: * An error of law with a material impact on the Tribunal’s decision * An unreasonable decision that no reasonable court could have reached * A manifestly excessive or inappropriate classification of the offense * A manifestly excessive or inappropriate sanction Swans’ Arguments The Swans, represented by Duncan Miller, presented three main arguments: * The Tribunal misapplied clause 4.3(b) of the AFL Tribunal Guidelines, which governs the classification of strikes. * The Tribunal failed to properly consider Heeney’s mental state and assumed intent without examining the evidence. * The suspension is manifestly excessive, as Heeney intended to make contact but not high contact. Appeal Board’s Scrutiny Appeal chairman Will Houghton questioned the Swans’ arguments, particularly their assertion that the Tribunal misinterpreted clause 4.3(b). Houghton highlighted the need for a material impact on the decision in order for an error of law to be appealable. Outcome The Appeals Board is expected to deliver its decision later tonight. The outcome will determine whether Heeney will be available for Sydney’s next game and eligible for the Brownlow Medal, which is awarded to the player judged to be the fairest and best in the AFL.Assistant coach Nick Davis has given evidence before the AFL Appeals Board hearing for Sydney young gun Isaac Heeney who is challenging a one-match striking ban. AAP