The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have elected not to challenge Steve Johnson’s rough conduct charge. 

The GIANTS forward has accepted a one-match sanction with an early plea.

Johnson will miss the Preliminary Final to be played on Saturday, September 24 against either Hawthorn or the Western Bulldogs at Spotless Stadium. 

Johnson was charged with engaging in rough conduct against the Swans’ Josh Kennedy during the first quarter of the First Qualifying Final last Saturday.  

Based on the available video evidence and a medical report from the Swans, the incident was assessed as careless conduct with medium impact to the head. 

The incident was classified as a two-match sanction. Johnson has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. An early plea enables the player to accept a one-match sanction.

Johnson has played all but one game for the GIANTS in 2016, kicking 43 goals. He joined the club from Geelong where he played 252 games including the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Premierships.