THE AFL has ruled Jack Redpath can't play at AFL or VFL level this weekend, after a controversial ruling over his three-week suspension.

Redpath was suspended for three games after round 21 last season, which on the surface would have rendered him unavailable for round one only.

However, AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon has ruled that because he played in a VFL practice game last weekend, "his suspension was not completed as required".

"AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said the club would not face any further sanction beyond Redpath’s ineligibility for this weekend, as the club co-operated fully with the AFL’s enquiries in this matter and it was determined the breach was inadvertent with the club having the belief he could play in a practice match, that was not for premiership points, at state league level," read a League statement late Thursday afternoon.

Redpath copped the three-match ban after striking Phil Davis in the round 21 encounter with Greater Western Sydney.

AFL.com.au understands the Bulldogs had no concerns about Redpath playing in the VFL practice game.

Redpath kicked two goals for Footscray in the VFL-level hit-out against Geelong.

AFL regulation 16.3 states there's an exception for a club practice match.

"A person who is suspended or disqualified may participate in any Pre-Season Competition Match or Club Practice Match unless otherwise directed by the Commission or the body that has imposed the suspension or disqualification," the regulation reads as of March 2017.

It's not certain if Redpath would have been selected at senior level for the round two clash with West Coast, but he had been in the mix.

The club has been contacted for comment.