HAWTHORN skipper Luke Hodge is free to face Richmond on Saturday after being given a reprimand for tripping Essendon’s Paddy Ryder in Friday night’s win over the Bombers.

Hodge attempted to change direction to apply pressure to Ryder as he shaped to handball to a teammate, and his leg made contact with Ryder who then fell to the ground before releasing the handpass.

Ryder showed no ill-effects from the incident.

The incident was assessed as reckless, low impact and body contact.

His initial penalty was a reprimand and 80 carry-over points, but with an early plea, that penalty will be reduced by 25 per cent to 60 points towards his future record if he accepts the early plea.

He is free to face Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

Ruckman Max Bailey can accept a $900 fine for making negligent contact with an umpire during the win.

The Club has until 11am Tuesday morning to decided whether to challenge or accept the sanctions.