Former AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson has been tasked with helping Conor McKenna avoid a hefty suspension at the tribunal on Tuesday night after the Essendon defender was cited for an alleged bite to the neck of Western Bulldogs forward Tory Dickson in Sunday's clash between the sides at Etihad Stadium.

McKenna has been charged with serious misconduct, with match review officer Michael Christian referring the matter straight to the tribunal.

It's understood Dickson claimed McKenna bit him after the Irishman was run down by the Dog.

The pair had wrestled on the ground after Dickson won a free kick for his tackle.