FORWARD Richelle Cranston has accepted a one-match suspension handed down by the AFL Women’s match review panel.

Cranston was charged for making front-on contact with Brisbane Lions player Jamie Stanton, during the first quarter of Melbourne’s Round 1 match, played at Casey Fields on Sunday.

As a result, Cranston will miss Melbourne’s round two match against Collingwood on Saturday February 11.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the AFLW match review panel process was a new experience for players.

“We have decided to accept the one match suspension for Richelle,” Mahoney told melbournefc.com.au.

“The girls have been fast tracked in all of their learnings as part of the inaugural AFLW season and learning how to protect themselves and the techniques involved in tackling and bumping is a work in progress.

“The scrutiny involved in each AFLW game is new to the players and as always, player safety must be a priority.”

Mahoney said it was important that players continue to be educated about rules and technique to enable them to perform safely at their best.

“Richelle is disappointed to be missing a game and was concerned for Jamie Stanton following the incident and will continue to work with the coaching staff to correct her technique and maintain her attack on the ball,” he said.

“Everyone loved the physicality of the weekend’s games and we look forward to it continuing throughout the season.”