DEFENDER Kyle Cheney will be available to play in this Sunday’s clash against Essendon at the MCG, after accepting an early plea from the match review panel.

 

Cheney took the reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record, after he was charged with a level two striking offence against St Kilda star Brendon Goddard, during the second quarter of last Sunday’s loss at Etihad Stadium.

 

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This totaled five activation points, resulting in a level two offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction.

 

But as Cheney had no existing good or bad record, he was able to take the early plea, which reduced the penalty by 25 per cent.

 

Cheney has played 13 matches for Melbourne, since debuting in round one against North Melbourne last year.

 

His round 14 appearance was his first for the 2010 season, after being an emergency several times this season.