Collingwood will be forced to round out its home-and-away season without Beau McCreery after the South Australian was hit with a one-game ban by the MRO.
McCreery, 22, drew the ire of the match review officer for his tackle on Brisbane's Darcy Wilmot during the Pies' Friday night loss at Marvel Stadium.
While Wilmot was able to withstand the force of McCreery's tackle, the Magpie will miss his side's Round 23 clash against Essendon after the MRO graded the entanglement as careless in conduct and making medium impact, with the Lion's youngster also collected high.
Beau McCreery has received a one-match suspension for this tackle on Darcy Wilmot.
Match Review findings: https://t.co/NTqa7Lqldq pic.twitter.com/BLBwBvZNYb
— AFL (@AFL) August 19, 2023
The Collingwood Football is yet to confirm whether they will accept the suspension or challenge it at the Tribunal.
After tasting defeat against the Lions on Friday, the Pies' final round date with the Dons has added significance, with a loss leaving Craig McRae's side open to losing the minor premiership at the final hurdle.
The opening bounce of the battle between bitter rivals is scheduled for 7:50pm (AEST) on Friday night at the MCG.