Dangerous Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop faces a ban from the Power's next NAB Cup match after falling victim to the AFL's new dangerous tackling rules.

Motlop can accept a one-match suspension for dumping Adelaide's Michael Doughty into the ground after tackling him in the second quarter of Saturday night's clash at AAMI Stadium.

The forward's tribunal record hurt him; the incident graded low enough that he could have pleaded guilty and accepted a reprimand if not for carryover points for prior offences.

Instead, he will be out for one match if he pleads guilty, or risk a two-game ban fighting the charge.

The AFL changed its rough conduct rules in the off-season to include specific references banning sling and spear tackles.

The Power's next match is against West Coast at Subiaco on February 27.

If Motlop takes the charge to the tribunal and loses and Port fall to the Eagles, he will also have to sit out the opening match of the regular season.

There were no other charges from the weekend's four games.

In injury news, scans have cleared Richmond draftee Ben Nason of a serious knee injury.

Nason, who played his first game for the club in Launceston on Saturday night, was feared to have suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury, but sustained only bone bruising and should make the start of the premiership season.

Western Bulldogs star youngster Shaun Higgins has only minor bruising from a knock to the ankle on Sunday and the club expects him to return to full training this week.

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin will be available for the next NAB Cup match, despite sustaining a corked buttock on Saturday night.

But the Hawks are still assessing the extent of an ankle injury to young tall Beau Dowler.

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