RICHMOND faces heading into next Saturday's crunch match against Port Adelaide without Alex Rance after the "disappointed" key defender was reported for striking.
The two-time All Australian will be sweating on the Match Review Panel's findings after a brain fade in the closing stages of Sunday night's loss to Melbourne.
A frustrated Rance struck Jack Watts in the back of the head when the Demon was on the lying on the ground after a marking contest.
Alex Rance has been reported following this incident with Jack Watts #AFLDeesTigers https://t.co/JqS5ngGcbg
— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2016
"He was disappointed with the action," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick told reporters after the game.
"It's unlike Alex, he was frustrated. But there's not much more I can say."
Rance's teammate Anthony Miles admitted frustration had gotten the better of the full-back.
"Rancey is a pretty passionate guy," Miles told AFL.com.au.
"He wears his jumper every week with such pride."
Watts did not suffer any injuries from the blow to the head.
The incident sparked a melee, as tensions boiled over late during the Tigers' 33-point loss to Melbourne.