GEELONG could be without star midfielder Steve Johnson for its critical match against Fremantle on Saturday night after the Match Review Panel offered him a one-match suspension on Monday.

 

Johnson was charged with misconduct for kneeing North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

 

Even with an early plea Johnson would receive one week because of his existing poor record. If he chooses to appeal he's risking a two-match suspension. 

 

If he accepts the ban Johnson's absence will miss the anticipated match-up with Fremantle's Ryan Crowley. Johnson received a one-match suspension after making head contact with Crowley in round nine this season.

 

Richmond's Reece Conca has been offered a two-match ban if he takes an early plea after being charged with striking the Giants' Devon Smith.

 

Conca's dramatic report came after he chased Smith to the boundary line and appeared to strike him in the side of the head during the second quarter of Saturday's game at the MCG.

 

Conca's action was classified as intentional, medium impact and high contact, which drew 325 points and a three-match suspension, which could be reduced to two with an early plea.

 

Brisbane Lions utility Daniel Merrett had his match-day report removed after the MRP deemed his high contact with Melbourne's Cameron Pedersen occurred during a legitimate attempt to spoil. 

 

Carlton's Nick Graham received a reprimand for engaging in rough conduct with Fremantle's Ryan Crowley while Essendon's Dyson Heppell was charged with making negligent contact with an umpire. As it was a first offence Heppell can accept a $900 fine with an early plea.

 

Richmond's Bachar Houli and Greater Western Sydney's Rhys Palmer were cited for wrestling and can accept a sanction with an early plea while St Kilda's Jack Newnes, David Armitage, Billy Longer and Gold Coast's Tom Lynch, Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia were cited for wrestling and all offered a $900 sanction with an early plea.

 

Young Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore was charged with making reckless conduct with an umpire and offered a $1950 sanction with an early plea.

 

Contact between Carlton’s Marc Murphy and Fremantle’s Ryan Crowley from the first quarter of Thursday’s match was also assessed. The MRP determined that insufficient force had been used to constitute a report.