Richmond are banking on Marlion Pickett's rough conduct charge being downgraded from medium to low impact so the Indigenous star can play in the Tigers' AFL Dreamtime blockbuster.
Pickett was offered a one-match ban for a high bump on Hawthorn livewire Dylan Moore during Saturday's clash at the MCG.
But the Tigers are taking the charge to the tribunal on Tuesday night even though it is unlikely Pickett will be freed to play against Essendon.
Pickett and his partner Jessica Nannup have designed Richmond's Indigenous jumper for this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
The 30-year-old's rise to the AFL has been one of the most inspirational stories of all-time after he starred on debut in Richmond's 2019 grand-final win.
Pickett has since played 45 games for the Tigers, including the 2020 premiership victory at the Gabba.
"The jumper he's put on show is significant to him and his people and it's just one of those events," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said on Tuesday.
"He plays the game a hard, tough Richmond style and it's unfortunate he finds himself in trouble with the tribunal.
"Hopefully he can get off.
"It's a football act and goes into a contest not hoping to cause injury but we understand these are the rules of the game and we've got our fingers crossed.
"We probably think it's low impact but according to the rules it comes across as medium so it's unfortunate."
The Sydney Swans have also opted to head to the tribunal after midfielder James Rowbottom was charged with engaging in rough conduct against Essendon star Zach Merrett.
Rowbottom was offered a one-match suspension with the match review officer grading the incident during the second quarter of Saturday night's match as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
