Collingwood's John Anthony has been charged with a level three misconduct offence for headbutting the groin of North Melbourne's Scott Thompson during the third quarter of Friday night's match, played at Docklands.

In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and groin contact (two points).  This is a total of six activation points, resulting in a classification of a level three offence, drawing 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction. He has no existing good or bad record. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 168.75 points and a one-match sanction.

The club has until 11 am Tuesday 4 May to decide if it will contest the charge.