Geelong forward Paul Chapman has opted not to contest a one-match ban, ruling him out of Friday’s AFL preliminary final against Hawthorn.
Had he contested the charge of rough play against Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray, Chapman risked a two-match ban which would have put him out of the grand final, if the Cats beat the Hawks.
However, the decision means he may have already played his last game for the Cats if they lose on Friday as the club is yet to decide whether to re-sign him for next season.
The 31-year-old, who missed much of this season with hamstring injuries, starred with four goals and 20 disposals in Geelong’s comeback semi-final win over the Power.
Sydney defender Ted Richards has accepted a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record for engaging in rough conduct against Carlton’s Levi Casboult.
He is free to face Fremantle in the other preliminary final in Perth on Saturday night.