Melbourne key forward Chris Dawes is set to miss the opening game of next year’s AFL season because of a striking charge.

The match review panel booked Dawes for striking North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow during Saturday’s season-ending loss.

Dawes has carryover points and that means he will receive a one-match ban even if he does not challenge the charge.

The only way the Demons big man could escape suspension is a successful visit to the tribunal.

The match review panel had a busy day, handing out 29 charges, but none affect week one of the finals series.

Hawthorn defender Grant Birchall was fined for negligent umpire contact.

Adelaide backman Ben Rutten will not be too worried about a potential reprimand for a striking charge, given Sunday’s win over St Kilda was his retirement game.

Most of the charges were for wrestling or melee involvement.

The panel fined 11 Western Bulldogs players and nine Greater Western Sydney opponents for their melee in the third term of Sunday’s Etihad Stadium clash.

They included Bulldogs veteran Daniel Giansiracusa, who ended his career with a six-point loss to the Giants.