Richmond Marlion Pickett can expect a charge for striking by the AFL's Match Review Officer following an incident involving Melbourne player Clayton Oliver on Wednesday night.

In the final moments of the first quarter, Pickett is seen to strike Oliver in the midriff while both players are away from the ball.

At the point of the incident, Demons forward Bayley Fritsch is preparing to take a set shot on goal.

Given Pickett's strike took place away from the contest, a reportable offence of striking will be deemed 'intentional', heightening the premiership Tiger's chances of a suspension.

Given Oliver was struck in the torso, the contact grading would be deemed 'body', leaving the level of impact to decide whether Pickett is fined or suspended for striking by the MRO.

Oliver was floored from the strike and left on the ground holding his midriff, with the level of impact likely to span between either 'low' or 'medium'. A 'low' grading would mean Pickett is fined and able to play in Round 8, while a 'medium' grading would result in a one-game suspension.

A similar incident took place in Round 3 between Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury and Brisbane's Lachie Neale, with the former striking his opponent away from the ball with force to the stomach. Neale was also floored by the strike.

Pendlebury was handed a $2500 (with an early plea) for the strike given the MRO viewed the offence as 'low' impact.

The same grading for Pickett would mean he is free to play in Round 8 when the Tigers face Fremantle on Sunday, May 5. An increased impact grading of 'medium' would mean he would miss that match through suspension and would be next available the week after against the Western Bulldogs.