GOLD Coast will head to the Tribunal to challenge the one-match suspension handed to defender Charlie Ballard.

Ballard was sanctioned by the Match Review Officer for a third quarter incident against Essendon's Matt Guelfi on Sunday that was assessed as striking and graded as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact.

If he fails to overturn the ban, Ballard would miss Sunday's match against Geelong at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Gold Coast co-captain Touk Miller said the Suns were keen to clear their key defender ahead of a possible match-up with Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron.

"He's a really vital player for us and our backline," Miller said on Tuesday.

"He really strengthens us down there … we'd love to see him get off."

MATCH REVIEW Broad, Burton cited for slings, North mid cops a week

Ballard will be the second player to face the Tribunal this week, with Richmond's Nathan Broad facing a minimum three-week suspension for his sling tackle on young Crow Patrick Parnell.

Broad was sent directly to the Tribunal, with his rough conduct offence graded as careless conduct, severe impact with high contact.

Adelaide's Shane McAdam headed to the Tribunal after round one, but was ultimately unsuccessful in having his three-week ban reduced.