Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Matt Shaw has been offered a one-match sanction following his hit on Melbourne small forward Dean Kent in the first quarter of Saturday’s round one clash at the MCG.

The AFL Match Review Panel has charged Shaw with engaging in rough conduct after his forearm made contact with Kent’s head.

Shaw can accept a one-match sanction with an early guilty plea making him unavailable for the first home game of the season against St Kilda on Saturday night at Metricon Stadium.

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

The Gold Coast SUNS have until 11am Tuesday to accept or contest the MRP’s decision.