STAR defender Jacob Weitering is free to play in Carlton's elimination final against Sydney, avoiding suspension over his contact with Greater Western Sydney captain Toby Greene's face.

But the news is not good for Greene's teammate Toby Bedford, who could miss the Giants' knockout clash with St Kilda after being offered a one-match ban for rough conduct against Blues speedster Zac Fisher.

However, the Giants have already confirmed they will challenge the ban at the Tribunal.

Weitering came under scrutiny for making brief contact with his fingers near Greene's eye during Sunday's heated clash at Marvel Stadium.

Greene later fanned the flames, predicting Weitering might be in trouble with the Match Review Officer.

On Monday, Weitering was charged with making "unreasonable or unnecessary contact" to Greene's eye region and was handed a $3000 fine.

The penalty can be reduced to $2000 with an early guilty plea.

Crucially, Weitering's action was graded as careless conduct, low impact and high contact.

Under the AFL's table of offences, a grading of intentional conduct would have resulted in a one-match ban.

It means he will line-up against Sydney when Carlton ends a decade-long finals drought at the MCG next week.

00:51

Greene involved in scuffle with Blues duo

Toby Greene lands a big tackle on Mitch McGovern before Jacob Weitering joins the scuffle

Published on Aug 27, 2023

Weitering attempted to pull Greene off Blues teammate Mitch McGovern when the pair tangled moments before half-time on Sunday.

The All-Australian defender appeared to move his hand away when he realised he had made contact with Greene's face.

Greene has attracted scrutiny over similar incidents in the past and missed the Giants' 2019 preliminary final win because of a one-match ban.

"He might be in trouble," Greene told Fox Footy.

"I think I got in trouble for that, so we'll see how he goes.

"I was hoping for a free kick. That's fine."

Carlton coach Michael Voss was always confident Weitering would be free to play in the elimination final.

"I'm sort of comfortable with the commentary around it, so I'll leave it at that," Voss said post-match.

"(Weitering) is pretty important - I think that's probably stating the real obvious. He's had a fantastic year."

The 25-year-old didn't miss a game this season and will be key to the Blues' push deep into September.

00:23

Is Bedford in trouble for this hit on Fisher?

Greater Western Sydney forward Toby Bedford could come under MRO scrutiny for this hit on Carlton's Zac Fisher

Published on Aug 27, 2023

Bedford caught Fisher high while attempting to shepherd for a teammate and was suspended for a second time this month, following his ban for a dangerous tackle on Sydney's Ollie Florent in round 21.

The incident was graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, leading to the one-match ban.