ST KILDA midfielders Lenny Hayes and Maverick Weller have been charged with striking following Saturday's game against GWS.

Hayes has been charged with a level three striking offence (225 demerit points) following an incident with GWS youngster Stephen Congilio in the first quarter.

The case was assessed as negligent contact, high impact and high contact.

The 34-year-old has no existing good or bad record but with an early plea can reduce the 225 demerit points by 25 per cent, resulting in a one-match ban and 68.75 carry-over points.

Should Hayes elect to challenge the decision, he risks missing the Saints round one and round two matches against Melbourne and GWS.

Meanwhile Weller has been charged with an identical offence for allegedly striking Tomas Bugg during the third term on Saturday afternoon.

The incident was assessed by the Match Review Panel as intentional contact, low impact and high contact.

Like Hayes, Weller can escape with a one-match ban and 68.75 carry-over points should he choose to submit an early plea, but risks a two-match ban if he takes the case to the tribunal.

St Kilda will already be without Jack Steven (injured) and Leigh Montagna (suspended) for its round one clash against Melbourne.

You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32