MELBOURNE Football Club acknowledges today's decision by CAS, and the impact it has on Melbourne player Jake Melksham.

Melbourne Coach Paul Roos said: “Jake was recruited to our Club for the long term. Today’s decision is desperately disappointing for Jake, but as I’ve reassured him, the Club will do everything in its power to support him, until he can officially return to the Club in a training and playing capacity.”

“Speaking with Jake today, he is obviously personally devastated by this decision but also very concerned for the other 33 players and the impact it can have on their lives.

“Jake is only 24 years old and still has a long and successful career ahead of him at the Melbourne Football Club, which we look forward to him continuing in 2017."

Please note: Jake was recruited to Melbourne during the 2015 trade period and signed a four year deal with the Club until the end of 2019.