Geelong star Jimmy Bartel is a minor indiscretion away from being suspended after losing his challenge against a tripping charge at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

Bartel contested his charge of tripping the Western Bulldogs' Shaun Higgins last Friday night at Etihad Stadium, but his failed gamble means he now has 88 demerit points on his record, dangerously close to the 100-point suspension threshold.

The 2007 Brownlow medallist remains eligible to win this year's award and to play Essendon on Sunday, but was hoping to wipe his slate clean in knocking back the chance to accept a reprimand and 66 demerit points with an early guilty plea.

His lost challenge made for a dirty day for Geelong, as small forward Mathew Stokes was ruled out of Sunday's game after he pleaded guilty to striking, while half-forward Paul Chapman will miss at least one game because of a dislocated finger.

The Cats will regain key forward Cameron Mooney from suspension, but Stokes will miss the chance to help post Geelong's 10th straight win because he pleaded guilty to striking Bulldog Liam Picken.

Chapman could miss up to two games with his finger injury after also sitting out the round eight game with back tightness.

The high, late bump Essendon's Nathan Lovett-Murray laid on Richmond's Kayne Pettifer last Saturday at the MCG will cost the Bombers utility the next three games after he pleaded guilty to engaging in rough play.

Bartel was cited after his right leg made contact with Higgins' left foot as the Bulldog tried to get past his opponent and have a shot at goal inside the Doggies' forward line in the second term.

Bartel admitted he was wrongfooted by Higgins when sold the dummy, but claimed he was watching his opponent go past him and, although his leg was out, did not intend to trip him.

"I was watching him go past me, that was the embarrassing bit," he said.

AFL legal counsel Jeff Gleeson argued Bartel had a duty of care not to leave his leg in Higgins' path and the three-member jury agreed.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP