Deven Robertson: West Coast Eagles recruit to miss Sydney clash after accepting one-match suspension

West Coast will be without their leading contested-ball winner - and possible Chad Warner stopper - when they face Sydney this weekend, with the club opting not to challenge Deven Robertson’s one-match ban.

Robertson was slapped with a rough conduct charge for his sling tackle on Zak Butters in last weekend’s win over Port Adelaide. The action was graded as careless with medium impact and high contact.

After weighing up their options overnight, the Eagles on Tuesday morning announced they had accepted the suspension, temporarily halting Robertson’s impressive start to the season.

The Brisbane recruit has brought defensive grunt and a hard-nosed mindset to West Coast’s midfield through the first three games of the year. Robertson leads the club in contested possessions, is equal-first for clearances, ranks second for tackles, third for disposals and third for inside-50s.

He also fought hard to quell the influence of Power star Butters in last Sunday’s victory, with a potential run-with role matched up on Swans ace Warner looming before copping his suspension.

Warner has polled Brownlow votes in his past three trips to his home State and has thrived at Optus Stadium, leading Sydney to six consecutive wins at the venue.