Bailey Smith has expressed regret over his two-game AFL ban for headbutting, saying it was out of character for emotion to get the better of him.
The Western Bulldogs have accepted the star on-baller's suspension, meaning Smith will miss their post-bye games against GWS and Hawthorn.
Also on Monday, Collingwood young gun Jack Ginnivan escaped with a $1000 fine for misconduct after he made contact with Lachlan Bramble's face as the Hawthorn player was being tackled to the ground late in Sunday's game.
Smith was reported immediately after a three-quarter time scuffle with Geelong defender Zach Tuohy during Friday night's pulsating Cats win at Marvel Stadium.
"I'm disappointed to be missing the next two matches, and regret that I won't be able to help my teammates on the field during that period," Smith said in a club statement.
"I understand what happened was outside of what's expected of AFL players. Unfortunately, I let my emotions get the better of me, which is out of character for me.
"I am determined to come back in a couple of weeks to continue giving 100 per cent for my teammates and the club."
Match review officer Michael Christian upheld the report as intentional, with medium impact and high contact.
Tuohy was also reported for "other misconduct" on Smith.
The Geelong utility was offered a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea.
After the pair grabbed each other's jumpers, Tuohy walked away from the wrestle with a minor cut on his forehead.
Tuohy spoke to Smith post-game, saying there was "all love at the end".
"Emotions were getting the better of both of us," Tuohy told Fox Footy.
"I think I was pulling and dragging at him as much as he was me, so there's not much in it."
Smith, who has never been reported before, has become one of the Bulldogs' most important players since being drafted in 2018.
Ginnivan, who has been in the spotlight for allegedly drawing high-contact free kicks, was among 10 players who were fined after Sunday's games.
Eight players - four apiece from Brisbane and Fremantle - were fined $1000 each for a second-quarter melee at Optus Stadium.
Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick was also fined $1000 for misconduct against Ginnivan.
