Melbourne defender Christian Salem will miss Saturday’s AFL clash with Gold Coast in Alice Springs after accepting a one-game suspension.

Salem was penalised for striking North Melbourne’s Shaun Higgins during their spiteful encounter on Sunday and risked missing two games if he made an unsuccesful challenge.

The tribunal will not sit on Tuesday, with five players – including Higgins, Sydney’s Kurt Tippett and Carlton’s Patrick Cripps – accepting $1000 fines.