THE match review panel will today adjudicate on one of its most contentious incidents of the season - the collision that sidelined Steve Johnson seconds into Saturday's Geelong-Adelaide match.

The Cat forward's substitution - he played no further part in the game due to concussion and reportedly said he had been playing against Durham - will ensure that if the opponent he collided with, Scott Thompson, is cited by the panel he will be suspended, regardless of discounts.

Steve Johnson lies on the ground after an incident at the opening bounce with Scott Thompson. Credit:Paul Rovere

Thompson, a prominent Brownlow Medal contender, and Johnson were at the centre circle for the first bounce at Simonds Stadium, with the Crow closest to the wing and the Cat closest to his team's goal. As the ruckmen duelled, Johnson ran through the circle towards his defence, intersecting with Thompson who was edging around the circle with his opponent Joel Corey.

In the collision, Johnson's head met Thompson's shoulder, though the Crow did not seek to make contact and seemingly was not looking in Johnson's direction.