UPDATE: James Podsiadly has accepted his one-match ban for striking.

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Geelong could be without key-forward James Podsiadly for Friday night’s clash against North Melbourne, after he was handed a one-match sanction for striking.

Podsiadly had 93.75 demerit points hanging over his head before being charged with raising his forearm and elbowing St Kilda’s Jack Steven.

His 80-point penalty took his points tally to 173.75 points, meaning he’ll miss a match even with an early plea.

Podsiadly has booted 24 goals in 16 games this season and was one of the Cats’ best against the Saints, pulling down 11 marks.

The Match Review Panel's findings were as follows:
James Podsiadly, Geelong, has been charged with a level one striking offence (80 demerit points, reprimand) for striking Jack Steven, St Kilda, during the second quarter of the round 18 match between the Geelong and St Kilda, played at Simonds Stadium on Saturday July 27, 2013.

In summary, due to his previous poor record, his penalty is increased from a reprimand to a one-match sanction, even with an early plea.

Based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the St Kilda Football Club, the incident was assessed as negligent conduct (one point), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of four activation points, resulting in a classification of a level one offence, drawing 80 demerit points and a reprimand. He has 93.75 demerit points carried over from within the past 12 months, increasing the penalty to 173.75 points and a one-match sanction. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 130.31 points and a one-match sanction.