North Melbourne will be without Jack Ziebell for its upcoming match against Fremantle on Sunday with the vice-captain accepting his one-match ban.

The 24-year-old hit Saint Jack Newnes in the head during a late spoiling attempt in the second quarter.

Kangaroos’ Director of Football Geoff Walsh said the club decided against appealing.

“We considered trying to get the impact downgraded from medium to low, thus making it a fine,” Walsh explained.

“But after consultation with Jack and others, we felt a challenge and subsequent risk of a two game sanction instead of one, was too much of a gamble.”

It was a similar case for Michael Firrito two weeks ago after his late spoil on Carlton’s Matthew Kruezer. The defender also forced to sit on the sidelines for a week after the MRP’s one match sanction was offered.

“It’s obviously disappointing for the team and Jack, but we’ll just have to look forward to him coming back in hopefully against the Bulldogs in Round 22,” Walsh added.

“This week will be about identifying a replacement for him and pleasingly, we had some very solid performers at VFL level for North Ballarat over the weekend.”

Among those to standout were Ryan Bastinac, Trent Dumont and Brad McKenzie.

PRESS PLAY above to watch the incident | YouTube

The Match Review Panel's findings

Jack Ziebell, North Melbourne, has been charged with striking Jack Newnes, St Kilda, during the second quarter of the Round 20 match between North Melbourne and St Kilda, played at Blundstone Stadium on Saturday August 15, 2015.

In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.

Based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the St Kilda Football Club, it was the view of the panel the incident should be classified as careless conduct with medium impact to the head. This offence was classified as a two-match sanction. The player has no applicable bad record. An early plea can reduce the penalty to a one-match sanction.