Sydney have confirmed they will challenge defender Heath Grundy’s one-week ban for striking at the AFL tribunal.

Swans coach John Longmire said on Tuesday that Grundy would miss the day’s training session, travelling to Melbourne instead in an effort to overturn the ban at a tribunal hearing in order to play the qualifying final against Adelaide on Saturday.

The key back received the penalty after striking Geelong forward James Podsiadly with his elbow last Saturday.

“It’s a bit difficult to comment before the case, but it’ll play out this evening,” Longmire said.

Longmire did not believe the tribunal challenge would be a significant disruption for his team, who face a difficult task shutting down Adelaide forwards Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker in their clash at AAMI Stadium.

“You’ve always got things – whether it’s injuries or players fronting the tribunal – you got to have that up your sleeve,” he said.

“We’re keen for Heath to play, that’s why we’re taking him to Melbourne.

“What happens after that, we’ll make decisions this evening or tomorrow.

“Lewis Roberts-Thomson has played a lot of footy down there (in defence), so that’s certainly an option if need be.”

Longmire was upbeat Nick Smith and Sam Reid would both return from injury against the Crows.

“We expect both to do some training today,” he said.

“And both are at this stage planning to do the full session on Thursday.

“They’ll both come into the team if they get through that session.”