Geelong will be without Tom Hawkins for Friday night’s preliminary final against Richmond at the MCG.
Hawkins’ one-match suspension for striking was upheld at the AFL Tribunal after the Cats decided to challenge the Match Review Officer’s decision.
The All-Australian forward was cited for an off-the-ball hit on West Coast defender Will Schofield with the incident graded as intentional conduct, high contact and low impact.
Hawkins, 31, was instrumental in Geelong's 20-point semi-final win over the Eagles, booting four goals and taking four contested marks.
Chris Scott's side face the Tigers with a spot in this year’s Grand Final at stake.
Will Tom Hawkins face scrutiny from the MRO for this incident with Will Schofield? pic.twitter.com/mFcZHc5Uid
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) September 13, 2019