North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas will miss the Kangaroos’ season-defining games against Richmond and the Brisbane Lions after accepting a two-match ban for headbutting.
Thomas risked being suspended for three games had he challenged the charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
By submitting an early guilty plea for the head-butt on young Giant Jacob Townsend, Thomas will miss two games and have 54.06 carry-over points added to his record.
The Kangaroos are currently in 12th spot on the ladder with a 5-8 win-loss record and must win the games against the Tigers and the Lions to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
The tribunal will not sit on Tuesday night.
Fremantle fullback Zac Dawson accepted a reprimand and 60 points for striking Geelong’s Mathew Stokes.
Cats midfielder Joel Corey also accepted a reprimand and 60 points for tripping Dockers midfielder Danyle Pearce.