Hawkins was charged with intentionally striking Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch in Geelong’s win at Simonds Stadium on Friday night.

The Match Review Panel decided that the impact was low to the head and subsequently offered Hawkins a two-game ban, which can be reduced to one with an early plea.

The ban comes following AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean coming out publicly and stating they were be a crackdown on jumper punches a fortnight ago.

That came in light of a series of minor incidents, including Richmond midfielder Trent Cotchin’s hit on Fremantle’s Lachie Neale which drew only a $1000 fine.

Sydney's Zac Jones was among those to avoid a suspension despite incidents last round and Hawkins has become the first victim of the change.

It’s not the first time Hawkins has been banned for an intentional strike, having copped a one-week ban for a hit on Greater Western Sydney’s Phil Davis last year.

Geelong have not yet indicated if they will challenge the suspension, but could argue the force was not sufficient or wasn’t intentional.