Sydney key forward Barry Hall tonight received a seven-match ban at the AFL tribunal for the punch that concussed West Coast opponent Brent Staker.

After a hearing that went just over an hour, the three-man panel only took seven minutes to rule that the much-publicised incident should earn 790 demerit points.

That means Hall is out for seven games and also has 90 carry-over points, meaning he is only 10 points shy of another one-match suspension.

As expected, Hall pleaded guilty to the striking charge, which has attracted widespread media attention.

Hall's counsel Terry Forrest QC argued that he should receive a 25 per cent discount on the penalty for pleading guilty, and tribunal chairman John Hassett strongly advised the jury that the plea should affect their decision.

After the hearing a remorseful Hall said he was satisfied with the outcome.

"Just in terms of the outcome I was prepared to cop whatever came my way," he said.

"Seven weeks we think's fair, as I said we were prepared to cop whatever came my way.

"I just want to take this opportunity to once again apologise to Brent Staker for the incident.

"It's unacceptable and I will try and better myself so it doesn't happen again."