Port Adelaide forward Damon White will play in Sunday's crunch match against Hawthorn, even though the AFL tribunal found him guilty of charging.

White escaped with a reprimand, although his carry-over points for the next 12 months are only a few points short of a one-game ban.

There was no such good tribunal news for the Brisbane Lions, with young forward Rhan Hooper receiving a three-game ban for striking.

White and Hooper pleaded not guilty to their charges.

The Power also tried to have White's offence downgraded in two categories, arguing the conduct was negligent, rather than reckless, and the impact was low, not medium.

He was facing a one-match suspension for charging Carlton full-forward Brendan Fevola if the original charge and categories stood.

The three-man jury found him guilty and accepted the impact was medium, but agreed with the Power that it was a negligent act.

That reduced the base penalty points from 225 to 125 and his good behaviour over the last five years took it down further to 93.75.

Under tribunal rules, the threshold for a one-match ban is 100 points.

The Hawks are second and the Power are third ahead of Sunday's game in Launceston.

They are among four teams all on 12 wins.

Earlier, the Lions unsuccessfully argued that Hooper's contact with the face of Hawks utility Rick Ladson was accidental.

Hooper would have received a two-match ban with an early plea and Tuesday night's penalty means his season is over unless the Lions make the finals.

Brisbane are eighth, leading three teams on nine and a half wins.

After Ladson tackled him from behind, Hooper punched the ball forward and Hawthorn's Luke Hodge took possession during their match on Saturday at the MCG.

As Hooper tried to stop Hodge, Ladson grabbed him again and the young Lion swung around.

His arm caught Ladson in the face and the Hawk was forced to leave the field with a cut under his eye.

The video evidence was inconclusive and Hooper testified he had no recollection of making contact with Ladson.

"He (Hooper) has been swung around like a rag doll," Hooper's advocate Bert Gaudion told the tribunal.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP