Geelong forward Steve Johnson and Sydney defender Heath Grundy face an AFL Tribunal battle to avoid missing this weekend’s start of the finals.

Both have been hit with one-match bans arising from incidents in Saturday’s clash at Simonds Stadium.

Grundy faces missing Saturday’s AAMI Stadium qualifying final against Adelaide, which would be a major blow to the Swans, given he will have a job on one of the Crows’ key forwards Kurt Tippett or Taylor Walker.

He was booked for striking Geelong’s James Podsiadly and a points reduction for a clean record wasn’t not enough to dodge a suspension.

But the fact that he will receive only a one-match ban if he visits the tribunal and loses will increase Sydney’s chances of contesting the charge.

Johnson faces missing Saturday night’s cut-throat MCG clash with Fremantle.

He could have escaped with a reprimand for rough conduct against Swan Dan Hannebery if not for a penalty loading for a poor disciplinary record.

He would be risking a two-match ban should he fight the charge.

But Johnson avoided being hit with an additional charge of making unnecessary contact with an injured player for pulling Hannebery to his feet after he had knocked him over.

The match review panel ruled that that contact was not forceful enough to constitute an offence.

Teammate Paul Chapman is free to play, after escaping with a reprimand for a low-grade striking charge.