GOLD Coast will challenge the careless umpire contact fine handed to defender Daniel Rioli on Saturday, which has put the Suns at risk of copping a monster fine from the AFL.

Rioli was charged with making careless contact with an umpire in the loss to Geelong on Friday night, the club's fifth such charge this season.

The AFL cracked down on umpire contact last month after a spike in incidents, writing to clubs after round 10 reminding them that if their players transgress five or more times in the same season, they can be hit with a fine up to $50,000 under AFL rules.

As reported by AFL.com.au last week, the Suns were one of three clubs – along with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs – to have been charged with four offences leading into round 14.

ROUND 15 Get your seats to Suns v Hawks

The Suns confirmed on Monday that they will challenge the Rioli charge at the Tribunal as they look to stay below the five charges threshold and avoid a fine.

They will make a written submission to the AFL, with the decision to come on Wednesday.