West Coast’s Chris Masten and Fremantle’s Alex Silvagni will front the biggest AFL tribunal hearing this year in the aftermath to a spiteful western derby.
The match review panel referred them directly to Tuesday’s hearing, with no options of early pleas.
Eagles onballer Masten will answer the rare charging of biting Fremantle opponent Nick Suban.
Silvagni, the Dockers’ backman, was booked during Sunday’s match for striking Jamie Cripps well away from the ball.
The incident was caught on video and left the West Coast forward with a suspected jaw fracture.
Only three games remain before the finals and Masten and Silvagni run the risk of suspensions that will sideline them into September.
Masten was booked on Monday after an investigation where he and Suban were interviewed.
Suban complained that Masten bit him on the arm while the two engaged in a wrestle in the third quarter.
A distressed Suban could be clearly heard via umpire microphones complaining to field umpire Jeff Dalgleish about Masten.
“He bit me, he f***ing bit me,” says Suban as he shows his arm to Dalgleish.
The umpires noted the incident and referred it to the match review panel.
Before the charges were laid on Monday afternoon, Eagles forward Jack Darling vouched for Masten’s character.
“As a character, he’s great,” Darling said.
“He’s really stepped up the last couple of years.
“He’s great to have around the club. Just a funny man. He’s a real team player.”
Darling said he would never bite anyone on the field, claiming it would be “pretty gross” and “sweaty”.
Collingwood defender Nathan Brown was offered a one-game ban for rough conduct against Sydney onballer Luke Parker.
And North Melbourne midfielder Jack Ziebell can accept a one-match suspension for striking St Kilda’s Jack Newnes.
Port Adelaide defender Jackson Trengove faces a $1000 fine for rough conduct against GWS opponent Rory Lobb.
Trengove’s teammate Justin Westhoff has the same charge and penalty for an incident involving Giants star forward Jeremy Cameron.
Brisbane’s Luke McGuane was likewise offered a $1000 penalty for rough conduct against Carlton utility Kade Simpson.
Richmond star Brett Deledio can accept a $1000 fine for striking Gold Coast’s Aaron Hall.
