Clough was found guilty to a charge of conduct unbecoming after an incident involving Dimboola player Tom Magee in round 15 of the Wimmera Football League on August 16.

The Saints midfielder was banned for six weeks, with four weeks suspended until the end of the 2016 season.

It means he will miss Saturday's qualifying final and the Saints' next final.

If the Saints win on Saturday, Clough will miss the chance to seal a grand final berth in a semi-final against Horsham next week.

If the Saints lose on Saturday, Clough will miss a do-or-die semi-final against the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Minyip-Murtoa and Ararat.

The tribunal hearing was the result of a league investigation requested by Dimboola.

There was video footage of the incident.

The league’s investigations officer determined Clough had a case to answer at the tribunal.

Western Vic Football general manager Stephen McQueen said the tribunal found Clough’s actions reckless.

"Horsham Saints Football Netball Club admitted contact was made, but said it was accidental,” Mr McQueen said.

"Clough showed remorse shortly after the contact was made.

"The tribunal considered the contact was reckless and gave him a sentence accordingly."

The incident left Magee with a fractured cheekbone in three places.

Magee had surgery last week to repair the injury.