Saker was found guilty at Wednesday night’s league tribunal of intentionally or carelessly engaging in rough conduct against North Albury’s Jayden Beaumont.

League rules don’t allow public comment on tribunal hearings.

“I won’t be changing off the back of it, but it’s done now and we’ll just move on,” Saker said.

He had been reported only once in his career, in the VFL, and that case was dismissed.

Saker, who’s the league’s only sole playing mentor, will still be able to coach the club.

But his absence on field is a massive loss as Lavington faces a brutal three weeks.

The Panthers face other top five outfits, starting with a home game against Wodonga Raiders on Sunday.

Saker will also miss the grand final re-match against Albury, before returning against Yarrawonga.

“There’s three big games to finish off our first half of the season, so every team wants to be as far ahead on the ledger as possible,” he said.

“Raiders’ best footy is very good and we think our best footy’s been really good.

“It’s just a matter of who can bring their best for the most consistent amount of time.”

Lavington will again be without star forward Adam Prior as speculation rises he won’t return from Adelaide.

“We’re still working through that and his work commitments are going to be central to how that plays out,” Saker said.

The multiple Doug Strang Medal winner hasn’t played a senior game this year with only one reserves appearance against Wodonga on Good Friday.

The one positive though is star forward Luke Garland returns from suspension.

Garland kicked his best haul of nine against Wangaratta Rovers in round five.

Lavington is involved in a logjam for one of the finals positions.

Seven teams are set to battle for the top five positions.

Lavington has a four-two win-loss record, the same as Raiders and Wangaratta.

If the Panthers topple Raiders and can snare an upset against the top two, they’ll be well-positioned to push for a top three finish.

But three losses will put the club’s season in severe doubt.

It’s a Sunday match because there’s already three games in Albury-Wodonga on Saturday.