Match ban means Milne to miss Saints Anzac Day clash
ST Kilda coach Scott Watters is furious small forward Stephen Milne will miss the club's historic Anzac Day clash against Sydney in Wellington today.
The goalsneak accepted a one-match ban for unnecessary contact to the face of Essendon's Courtenay Dempsey in Saturday's spiteful clash at Etihad Stadium.
Milne was also fined $3000 for a third offence melee sanction.
Four teammates involved in the melee - Nathan Wright, Tom Simpkin, Ahmed Saad and Jarryn Geary - copped $1200 fines for first offences, while Bomber trio Tom Bellchambers, Michael Hibberd and Jake Carlisle were also hit with $1200 fines.
Watters said he would have to consider whether Milne would automatically return to the senior side for the round six match against Collingwood.
"If you want my blunt assessment, it was just stupid." Watters said.
St Kilda has taken a squad of 26 to New Zealand, including injured defenders James Gwilt (knee) and Sean Dempster (hand).
Justin Koschitzke and Tom Lee also made the trip as potential replacements for Beau Maister who broke his wrist against Essendon.
