It always looked unlikely another AFL club could derail the early season Collingwood juggernaut.

Instead, it has been left to the match review panel to land the first big blow of the year on the red-hot premiership favourites ahead of their Anzac Day clash with Essendon.

The Magpies must consider whether to appeal a one-match ban on star forward Chris Dawes, who has been charged with striking.

Dawes faces suspension for clipping Richmond youngster Reece Conca in the Magpies' big win last weekend, and cannot reduce his ban with an early guilty plea.

The Magpies will decide on Tuesday morning whether to fight the suspension, or lose one of their key forwards for the season's most prestigious home-and-away match.

But Collingwood ruck-forward Leigh Brown's match-day report for striking Conca in a later incident was thrown out.

The panel said Conca's teammate Angus Graham contributed to the contact.

"Brown's arm was held back by Richmond player Angus Graham as Conca was completing a mark, and Brown was attempting to reach the contest," the panel said in a statement.

"It was the view of the panel that the retarding of Brown's arm contributed to the contact, which was made with an open hand."

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich can accept a reprimand for striking North Melbourne's Liam Anthony in the Dockers' 29-point win on Sunday.

But it could impact upon Pavlich's Brownlow Medal chances if he decides not to fight the charge.

The initial demerit points received for the offence were above the allowable 100-point limit to remain eligible for the Brownlow.

Sydney defender Nick Smith has been fined for $900 for negligent umpire contact.

All have until Tuesday morning to decide whether to contest their charges at the tribunal.

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