Marley Williams will be sidelined for the first two rounds of the season, after being cited for engaging in rough conduct.

Williams made contact with the Bulldogs' Ed Richards during the second quarter of Friday night's match.

Williams accepted his charge, and will be unavailable for the clashes with the Saints and Lions.

The Match Review's findings were as follows: 
Marley Williams, North Melbourne, has been charged with Engaging in Rough Conduct against Ed Richards, Western Bulldogs, during the second quarter of the Marsh Community Series match between North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, played at Marvel Stadium on Friday February 21.

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

Based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as Careless Conduct with High Impact and High Contact. The incident was classified as a two-match sanction.