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Can Freo cash in on Rough justice?

Jarryd Roughead. Pic: AFL Media

Fremantle's bid to end an alarming losing streak against premiership rivals Hawthorn has received a massive boost, with spearhead Jarryd Roughead poised to miss the blockbuster through suspension.

Roughead, who is leading the Coleman Medal race, is facing a one-match ban for tripping Melbourne's Dom Tyson at a time when the Hawks' forward line is already missing sharpshooter Jack Gunston (knee).

The news came as Nat Fyfe finally had some joy with the match review panel, the star midfielder cleared over a front-on collision with Geelong's Andrew Mackie on Saturday night.

Fyfe will take his place against Hawthorn after coach Ross Lyon last night said the 22-year-old was fine, despite appearing to hurt his right shoulder early in the second half against the Cats.

Lyon also said the club had received a "positive scan result" on Luke McPharlin's troublesome calf. Regardless, the defender won't play on Sunday.

Fremantle have not beaten the Hawks since the second elimination final in 2010, losing their past six meetings.

Lyon guaranteed young forwards Hayden Crozier and Max Duffy would play against Hawthorn and said Michael Walters was no certainty to earn a recall despite his strong WAFL return on the weekend.

Roughead paid the price for the 64.06 carryover points on his record after his trip from Saturday's win at the MCG was assessed as reckless, low impact and body contact.

The charge would have drawn just 80 demerit points and a reprimand if not for the forward's poor record.

Lyon didn't expect Hawthorn to be crippled by Roughead's absence.

"They're a small mobile team anyway, particularly down back," Lyon told 6PR. "They're a team of runners really."

Hawthorn still have the option of challenging the suspension at the AFL Tribunal, knowing Roughead would still only be banned for one week and have 44.06 carryover points if any tribunal challenge failed.

The MRP separately ruled that Fyfe had "no realistic alternative way to contest the ball" and the high contact was caused by circumstances beyond his control.

Nick Suban and Travis Varcoe were also cleared after trading blows in a third-term scuffle.

Geelong's Steve Johnson was cleared over a stray kick to Lachie Neale's head during the first quarter, with the panel ruling it was below the force required to warrant a report.

Fremantle are $1.75 favourites with the TAB.