Swans forward Aaron Francis hit with one-match ban for dodgy act on Bulldogs star

Swans forward Aaron Francis has booked himself in for some time on the sidelines after he was hit with a one-match ban following his side's loss to the Bulldogs.

With 45 seconds left in the third quarter, the umpire threw the ball inside Sydney's forward 50.

As Brodie Grundy and Tim English fought for the tap, Francis could be seen stiff-arming Lachlan Bramble in the stomach with his back turned.

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The contact was initially missed after Isaac Heeney copped a head high tackle and was given a free kick, with the Swans star kicking a goal.

Several replays then showed Francis's act.

"I think Aaron Francis is going to be in trouble, that's a swinging arm under the ribs of Lachie Bramble off the ball ... just unnecessary," Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.

The match review officer ruled Francis's act was intentional and of medium impact body contact.

Post-match, Ben Dixon described it as a "WWE move" while Nathan Buckley said it was "pretty significant, and very deliberate".

Jordan Lewis predicted a fine but was ultimately just off the mark.

"We certainly don't want players doing that ... certainly a hefty fine to say hey we don't want you or any other player doing this again would be sufficient enough," he said.

Francis also copped two $1,000 fines for engaging in a melee and wrestling with Rory Lobb — who copped the same punishments.

Tom Papley was also fined $1,000 for being the instigator of a melee/wrestle in the first quarter. Isaac Heeney was fined $2,000 for striking Edward Richards in the third quarter.

Bramble finished the match with one goal and 28 touches.