GREATER Western Sydney co-captain Phil Davis admits he was 'surprised' by the contact that resulted in a one-game suspension for Geelong forward Tom Hawkins.

Davis and Hawkins were opponents during the Cats' 10-point win over the Giants on Saturday night and clashed during the final term, with the Geelong forward making contact with Davis' chin and neck with a short left jab.

While the contact seemed minimal at best, the Match Review Panel graded the incident as intentional conduct with low impact to the head, and handed Hawkins a two-game ban for striking that could be reduced to one week with an early guilty plea.

Geelong coach Chris Scott told Fox Footy on Monday that he was 'shocked' by the suspension handed to Hawkins, but the Cats decided to accept the ban rather than risk losing their star for this week's game against North Melbourne, as well as their clash with the Western Bulldogs in round 13.

Speaking ahead of his side's huge Sydney derby with the Swans this Sunday, Davis said he didn't feel that there was much in it.

"To be honest it was more of a shock to me, the incident, more than anything else," he said.

"I must admit I didn't think there'd be anything said after the game about it.

"I just thought it was a footballing incident, I wasn't even sure it was on camera or anything, so it was just something that happens a fair bit in footy.

"I was just a bit shocked and a bit surprised, in terms of the contact."

While Hawkins will have this week off, Davis' job doesn't get any easier with Swans' star Lance Franklin his next assignment in Sunday's 10th – and most anticipated - edition of the Sydney Derby.

The key defender's role in curbing the triple Coleman medallist will be crucial to his side's chances against the Swans, as GWS attempts to arrest a two-game losing streak and stay in touch with the top four.

Match preview: Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Swans

Davis and Franklin had a fascinating duel in round three at the SCG, with Davis one of the Giants' best despite Franklin managing to kick four goals in the Swans' 25-point win.

"Obviously it’s always a pretty challenging evening or afternoon whenever you play on 'Buddy',” Davis said.

"We'll look through that (match-up) later this week, but hopefully I'll get a chance (to play on him).

"I'll make sure I tell Leon (Cameron) I'm ready to go and hopefully get a go on him.

"I'm looking forward to doing a good job out there and hopefully helping us get the win."

Both teams could make changes this week, with Swans youngster Callum Mills certain to return after he was rested from last week's win over Gold Coast, while George Hewett (concussion) will be tested later in the week after he copped a knock against the Suns.

Experienced Giant Ryan Griffen is expected to be considered for his first appearance since round five after recovering from a back injury, but GWS coach Leon Cameron said the gun midfielder will need to prove his fitness at training before he's cleared to face the Swans.

GWS small defender Adam Kennedy has already been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Phil Davis, Leon Cameron, John Longmire and Kieren Jack on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images