Geelong’s early season woes have continued with star full-back Matthew Scarlett booked on video evidence on Tuesday for striking St.Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt during Saturday night’s season-opening loss at Telstra Dome.

He will face the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night, joining Adelaide’s Rhett Biglands, Carlton’s Matthew Lappin and Melbourne’s Daniel Ward.

The Cats will not have skipper Steven King for another four weeks as he overcomes a foot injury and will have to face Carlton at Optus Oval on Sunday without experienced trio Ben Graham, Brenton Sanderson and Darren Milburn, who all suffered one-week injuries against the Saints.