Simon Goodwin says a remorseful Ben Brown faces a fight to regain his place in Melbourne's AFL forward line once he has served his suspension for striking.
Brown missed round three under COVID-19 protocols and returned through the VFL last week, kicking two goals, but was found guilty of striking Williamstown's Max Philpot.
The incident was assessed as intentional conduct with low impact and high contact, drawing a two-match ban that was reduced to one on an early guilty plea.
"He's incredibly remorseful," Demons coach Goodwin said.
"It was a pure accident, he knows he got it wrong and he cops his right whack and he'll move forward."
Goodwin was pressed to explain Brown's intentions after the key forward raised his arm and made high contact with his opponent.
"I think it was a pretty physical sort of game but he was just trying to reset the forward line and get back to the position that he wanted to be in," Goodwin said.
"He tried to push his way through there but he got the action wrong.
"Straight away he recognised that. He was very remorseful both at the time and on the night."
Brown kicked five goals over the opening two weeks of the AFL season before being sidelined by the virus protocols.
He was available to play against Port Adelaide last week but was not selected for senior duty.
Sam Weideman played in Brown's absence, kicking four goals against Essendon before a goalless appearance against the Power.
Tall forward Tom McDonald has played all four games for the defending premiers this season, with ruck duo Max Gawn and Luke Jackson also contributing in attack.
"It's competitive for spots and Browny know that, he knows that it's a very competitive forward line to play in," Goodwin said.
"He's got a big bank of evidence with the way that he played to a really high level.
"We'll cross that bridge (selection) when we come to it but obviously missing another week of footy is not ideal."
Melbourne are flying with a 4-0 record ahead of their clash with GWS at the MCG on Saturday night.
