O'Donovan copped a 10-match suspension from FFA's disciplinary tribunal following the strikers' Grand Final lunge that resulted in a sickening blow to Lawrence Thomas' head. 

The ban - which would see O'Donovan miss a hefty period of next season - is one of the most severe in recent A-League history, eclipsing the bans handed out for Kevin Muscat's tackle on Adrian Zahra in 2011 and O'Donovan's own prior offence for headbutting Manny Muscat in 2015.

In a statement, the club said they were "extremely disappointed with the outcome of this hearing and will immediately lodge an appeal on O’Donovan’s behalf.

"The club would like to thank Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) for their support of Roy during this process, and their tireless work in building his defence.

"The club will make no further comment on the matter at this time, and will await advice from the FFA on the details of an appeal hearing."