NORTH Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington will serve a one-match ban after he was found guilty of tripping by the VFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Cunnington looked a strong chance to return to the Kangaroos' line-up this week against West Coast. 

The No. 5 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft racked up 34 disposals, 4 goals and 10 tackles in North Ballarat's win over Williamstown on Sunday.

But the VFL Tribunal put those plans on hold despite Cunnington arguing he was attempting to kick the ball during the incident caught on video.

The Tribunal deemed his effort was reckless.

Cunnington played North Melbourne's first 12 games this season but was dropped following its round 13 win against Adelaide.