GEELONG forward Tom Hawkins has been handed a one-match suspension for his jumper punch on Adelaide's Matt Crouch, confirming the Match Review Panel's firm stance on punching.

Hawkins was charged with intentionally striking Crouch in Friday night's clash at Simonds Stadium, with the hit graded as low impact to the head, resulting in a two-match ban that can be reduced to one with an early guilty plea.

The MRP had been directed by the AFL to take a firmer stance on punches after a number of players escaped suspension for intentional hits, with Hawkins the first victim of the crackdown.

Speaking over the weekend, Hawkins said he did not intend to strike Crouch high, while coach Chris Scott believed the action was more a push than a strike. 

The Cats have until 11am on Tuesday morning to indicate if they will challenge the ban.

More to come