YOUNG Brisbane Lions forward Rhan Hooper's season may be over after he unsuccessfully challenged a striking charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Hooper's two-game ban was upgraded to three matches after the failed challenge, which means he won't play again in 2007 unless the Lions make the finals.

In other tribunal news, Port Adelaide forward Damon White will play in Sunday's crunch match against Hawthorn, even though the tribunal found him guilty of charging.

White and Hooper pleaded not guilty to their charges.

The Lions unsuccessfully argued that Hooper's contact with the face of Hawks utility Rick Ladson was accidental.

Hooper would have received a two-match ban with an early plea, but his season is now in peril.

The Lions are are eighth, leading three teams on nine and a half wins.

After Ladson tackled him from behind, Hooper punched the ball forward and Hawthorn's Luke Hodge took possession during their match on Saturday at the MCG.

As Hooper tried to stop Hodge, Ladson grabbed him again and the young Lion swung around.

His arm caught Ladson in the face and the Hawk was forced to leave the field with a cut under his eye.

The video evidence was inconclusive and Hooper testified he had no recollection of making contact with Ladson.

"He (Hooper) has been swung around like a rag doll," Hooper's advocate Bert Gaudion told the tribunal.