Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon has had his three-match ban upheld at the SANFL tribunal.

Dixon was cited for rough conduct by the SANFL Match Review Panel following a bump on West Adelaide's Jordan White on Saturday at Alberton Oval.

The incident was graded as careless conduct with high contact and severe impact, however Port Adelaide challenged the charge on the basis that the impact should be reclassified as high, rather than severe.

Acting for Dixon, Senior Counsel Kerry Clark said Dixon was prepared to plead guilty if the impact was reduced, stating that the appropriate penalty was a two-match ban.

Ms Clark asked the tribunal to exercise discretion based on Dixon's exemplary disciplinary history, with the 33-year-old never having been previously suspended by the AFL or the SANFL.

While giving evidence, Dixon stated that he had intended to tackle White, however once White lost control of the football, Dixon was not trying to bump, but rather he attempted to turn away in order to not give away a free kick.

Ms Clark also argued that the number of matches White is expected to miss does not reflect a 'significant' number of matches, as outlined in the severe impact rating.

In delivering their verdict, the tribunal accepted that Dixon's shoulder was below the high contact area and that the high contact was head-to-head, however they did reiterate that a serious injury was caused.

The tribunal agreed with the league's argument that a concussion has potential to cause serious and long-term harm, and therefore the impact grading of severe should stand.

They also did not consider that exceptional and compelling circumstances of Dixon's exemplary record should apply in this case.

Dixon will be available again for selection ahead of Round 18 of AFL and Round 14 of SANFL.