Geelong star Tom Stewart has been handed a four-game suspension by the AFL Tribunal for his high hit on Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia.

Stewart faced the Tribunal on Tuesday evening after being directly referred to the stand by the Match Review Officer, who deemed Stewart's actions as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.

Initial arguments saw Geelong pushing for Stewart to be handed a three-week suspension, while the AFL argued for at least a month on the sidelines for the three-time All-Australian.

The AFL got their way, with the AFL Tribunal deciding that the degree of carelessness of Stewart's bump on Prestia was high.

"Given what is known about the consequences of blows to the head, all reasonable steps must be taken to prevent avoidable blows to the head. Mr. Stewart accepts this was avoidable head-high contact," Tribunal chairperson Jeff Gleeson said, via Fox Footy. 

The league argued that Stewart's decision in choosing to bump Prestia left the Tiger "vulnerable" and with a "serious injury".

It was revealed that Prestia did not suffer a fracture in his cheek following scans however.

Regardless, the AFL have come down hard on outlawing dangerous acts that have or could result in concussion.

The suspension will mean Stewart will miss upcoming matches against the Kangaroos, Demons, Blues and Power.

Prestia is set to miss at least one match under the AFL's concussion protocols after being forced to end his afternoon against the Cats early due to the incident involving Stewart.