Coulthard returns from a three-week ban today knowing a further indiscretion is likely to see him banned from playing under AFL Victoria's de-registration policy, which was established in 2008 to provide

a risk-management framework and policy basis that recognises a duty of care to players and officials who could pose an unacceptable risk to others.

Coulthard's combined suspension record across the Western Plains, Lexton Plains and Central Highlands, including a 10-week tally in the WPFL, puts him in excess of the 16-match limit.

The 26-year-old's latest sanction came after he was found guilty of striking Hepburn forward Lee Cox during round 12.

The challenge for Coulthard is to eliminate the aspects of his game that have caused him trouble in the past.

That process has already started, according to Gilbert, who is keen to see his charge play out the remainder of his career unhindered.

Gilbert thought some teams may provoke Coulthard, but said his Bombers teammates would act swiftly to ensure he doesn't react.

"There is no reason why he can't play the rest of his footy career without getting more weeks. Short term, some teams might try and target him, but Ash is smart enough not to respond," Gilbert said.

"He plays on that fine line where he is hard at the footy and body as well. He's not a dirty footballer, he just plays on that fine line.

"In the past he has got caught up in the niggles, and he just can't afford to now, but it's not the niggles that have got him suspended."

Gilbert said the change in Coulthard's game could be a blessing in disguise.

"Normally he would go out of his way to put a good shepherd on, but he can't now, he has to receive," he said.

"In a way it is a positive. Five years of Ash Coulthard going hard at the footy and not getting reported is going to be good for him.

"It will be a good challenge for him and he'll get an extra five or six touches a game."

Coulthard, who is heavily involved on the Buninyong committee, has been named to start on the interchange bench for today's clash with Newlyn.