NORTH Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington's hopes of a senior recall this round have been jeopardised by a tripping charge arising from his best-on-ground performance for North Ballarat in the VFL on Sunday.

Cunnington played North's first 12 games this season but was dropped following its round 13 win against Adelaide. However, the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft looked a strong chance to return against West Coast at Blundstone Arena this Saturday after racking up 34 possessions, four goals and 10 tackles in the Roosters' win over Williamstown.

But the VFL announced on Monday afternoon Cunnington would face the VFL Tribunal on Tuesday night after a video review of the North Ballarat-Williamstown match.

Nick Bowen is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him at Twitter: @AFL_Nick