Ladder leader St Kilda have had another close shave with the AFL judiciary, as half-forward James Gwilt can escape with a reprimand for a front-on bump on Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis.

Gwilt was reported in Saturday's win in Launceston for making forceful contact from front on, but the match review panel ruled the conduct was negligent and contact low, which kept the tally of demerit points low.

The report totalled 125 demerit points, but Gwilt can reduce that to 93.75 through an early guilty plea, which will free him to play in Sunday's game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium, where the Saints will seek a 20th win on the trot.

Gwilt's likely escape comes a week after small forward Stephen Milne had a striking report withdrawn by the panel.

The Saints could also be significantly bolstered at selection this week, as a host of stars could be pressing for recalls after being rested from the win over the Hawks.

Captain Nick Riewoldt (concussion), Brendon Goddard (knee), Leigh Montagna (elbow), Lenny Hayes (back), Nick Dal Santo (illness), Sam Gilbert (back) and Steven Baker (knee) could all be in line to play the Bombers.

Gwilt's report was the only one laid in round 19.

The Saints have until Tuesday to inform the league whether they want to accept Gwilt's reprimand or contest the charge at the tribunal in a bid to keep his record clean.

The match review panel also investigated the off-the-ball contact made by Carlton's Aaron Joseph on Geelong star Gary Ablett last Friday night because of the limited television footage of the incident.

But after interviewing Ablett, the panel ruled no reportable offence could be made and cleared Joseph of any wrongdoing.

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