Star Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin will miss Saturday's important clash with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium after his appeal against a one-match penalty was unsuccessful tonight.

McPharlin was charged with a Level One bumping or making forceful contact from front-on offence against West Coast's Jack Darling during the first quarter of the Carlton Mid Derby.

He could be replaced by Alex Silvagni, who has proven he can play on the AFL's best forwards, or Peter Faulks, who has been the form defender in WAFL competition over the past few months but is listed as a test on Fremantle's injury list.

The experienced Antoni Grover could also get another chance.

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