PORT ADELAIDE has been dealt a blow ahead of Saturday’s match against Hawthorn, with forward Justin Westhoff failing to overturn his one-week ban at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

The Power forward was cited for striking Essendon’s Cale Hooker in his team’s loss to the Bombers at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The incident was assessed by the Match Review Panel on Monday as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact. It drew 225 demerit points, but that was reduced by 25 per cent to 168.7 point because of his six-year good record and a one-match ban.

Westhoff and Port Adelaide opted to challenge at the Tribunal on Tuesday night, but failed in their attempt to prove the incident was reckless rather than intentional.

His one match ban stands and will miss Saturday clash against the Hawks at AAMI Stadium.

It is a blow for the Power who rely on Westhoff as a “swingman” given he’s able to play as a key forward but also as a loose man in defence.

His biggest strength as a player is his versatility – he’s a mobile and quick tall forward capable of kicking a bag of goals, playing in defence and in the midfield all in one game.

He has had an excellent season so far for the Power, and one of the reasons why they’re challenging for a finals spot.

Westhoff has kicked 20 goals and averaged 18 disposals per game in 2013.