Richmond's Jake King will risk missing the opening three rounds of the season by contesting a charge of striking Collingwood's Travis Cloke at the AFL Tribunal.

King could have accepted a two-game ban if he submitted a guilty plea, but will instead front a tribunal hearing next Tuesday night.

The Tigers defender has been charged with intentionally striking Cloke head-high.

The charge was laid after the match review panel investigated the incident and interviewed Cloke, because video footage was inconclusive.

King's tribunal record hurt him, as he could have accepted a one-match suspension with a guilty plea if not for a penalty loading for a prior offence.

That offence was also against a Collingwood player, with King copping a two-match ban for striking Alan Didak in round 20 last season.

King can still play in Richmond's practice match against Essendon in Morwell on Saturday, as any ban must be served during the regular season.

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