North Melbourne star Lindsay Thomas has been suspended for three weeks by the VFL tribunal but faces up to five weeks out of the game.

Playing in the VFL for the Casey Scorpions, Thomas was charged with careless conduct for collecting Werribees Corey Maynard late and high on Sunday.

A contrite Thomas (pictured) expressed his regret following the handing down of the ban, and says he’ll be working hard to ensure he’s ready for a return to the AFL when the suspension is up.