The incident occurred early on in the first quarter of Saturday night's match at the MCG, as Merrett attempted to chase down Jack Silvagni, who was streaming into the Blues' forward 50.

As Silvagni released the kick, Merrett appeared to connect to his rib area with a swinging left arm.

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However, the Blues star immediately limped off the ground before the team's medical staff confirmed he would not play out the rest of the game

Match Review Officer Michael Christian said based on available evidence, the incident was assessed as careless conduct with high impact and body contact and was classified as a one-match suspension.

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Merrett, who finished the night with 17 disposals, can accept the ban with an early plea.

Carlton confirmed on Sunday Silvagni had suffered a bruised lung and fractured rib and is set to miss a week.

The Blues said Silvagni stayed in hospital overnight and underwent scans, which confirmed the extent of his injury.

West Coast debutant Jamaine Jones has also been charged with striking for an incident on Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff during the fourth quarter on Saturday.

Christian said based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as careless conduct with low impact and high contact and was classified as a $1500 sanction as a first offence.

Jones, who collected 11 disposals in his eighth AFL game, can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.

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