LINDSAY Thomas' bid to break back into North Melbourne's team has suffered another blow, with the small forward accepting a one-week ban by the VFL's Match Review Panel on a striking charge.

Thomas was not reported during Werribee's match against the Northern Blues on Saturday, but the VFL charged the forward with striking Carlton listed-player Rhys Palmer on Monday after its video review of the round's games. 

The incident occurred during the second quarter after Thomas took possession inside Werribee's forward 50. As Palmer moved in to tackle him, Thomas lifted his elbow in an attempted fend-off but caught Palmer high. 

The VFL assessed Thomas' conduct as careless and involving low impact and high contact.   

Thomas has a pre-existing bad record that lifted his ban to two matches, but it was reduced to one match when the forward swiftly entered a guilty plea after the VFL's MRP released its findings.

Thomas was suspended for three weeks in the VFL early last month for a high bump on Corey Maynard that left the Melbourne rookie unconscious and battling significant concussion.

He missed five weeks as a result of the ban because of a VFL bye and North Melbourne's round 12 bye.

Thomas is contracted for 2018, but was dropped by the Kangaroos ahead of their round six clash against Gold Coast after kicking just two goals in five games.

Thomas has kicked 322 goals in 201 games with North and led the club's goalkicking in 2010 (29) and 2013 (53). 

However, time is fast running out for the 29-year-old to reclaim a senior spot this season, with Taylor Garner, Kayne Turner and Nathan Hrovat doing a good job as North's pressure forwards.