Hawthorn is preparing to challenge a one-game suspension handed down to co-captain Jai Newcombe following an incident in a pre-season practice match, throwing his availability for the AFL’s Opening Round into doubt. The Hawks will present their case to the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night, hoping to clear Newcombe to face Greater Western Sydney. The incident and subsequent fallout, highlights the league’s ongoing focus on player safety and the evolving interpretations of what constitutes dangerous play.
Newcombe is accused of driving Western Bulldogs star Ed Richards’ head into the ground during the third quarter of Friday night’s AAMI Community Series match. While Richards was able to continue playing after the incident, the Match Review Officer (MRO) graded the tackle as careless, medium impact, and high contact, resulting in the one-match ban. Despite the suspension, Newcombe remains eligible for the prestigious Brownlow Medal, as the infraction occurred in a pre-season game, not a regular season match.
The potential loss of Newcombe is a significant blow for Hawthorn, already navigating injuries to key players. Star defender Will Day is recovering from a shoulder injury, and young midfielder Cam Mackenzie is sidelined after suffering a concussion in the same match against the Bulldogs. The Hawks are hoping to avoid further disruption to their lineup as they prepare for a competitive season.
New Rules, Stricter Grading for Striking Incidents
The suspension of West Coast recruit Harry Schoenberg adds another layer to the weekend’s Match Review findings. Schoenberg was charged with striking Port Adelaide’s Logan Evans during Sunday’s AAMI Community Series match and received a one-game ban. This case is particularly noteworthy as it appears to be the first instance of the new, stricter grading system for striking incidents being applied.
According to the AFL, striking incidents are now more likely to be graded as medium impact, leading to a one-week suspension, than in previous years. MRO Michael Christian explained last week that a “strike is defined as a blow delivered with force. there’s nothing about a clenched fist in there. As long as the blow is delivered with force, it doesn’t matter if it’s a clenched fist or a palm of the hand.” AFL.com.au reported on these changes last week, signaling a league-wide emphasis on deterring forceful contact.
Durham Cleared, Tribunal Looms for Newcombe
In a separate incident, Essendon midfielder Sam Durham has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a potentially dangerous tackle on St Kilda’s Ryan Byrnes. The MRO determined the tackle did not warrant further investigation, allowing Durham to be available for selection.
While, all eyes are now on the AFL Tribunal, where Hawthorn will present its case to overturn Newcombe’s suspension. The club will likely argue that the impact of the tackle was not as severe as initially assessed, and that the circumstances of the incident do not warrant a one-game ban. The outcome of the hearing will have significant implications for the Hawks’ team selection for the Opening Round.
What’s at Stake for Hawthorn?
The loss of Newcombe would be a considerable setback for Hawthorn, particularly given the injuries to Day and Mackenzie. Newcombe has quickly established himself as a key player in the Hawks’ midfield, and his leadership as co-captain is highly valued. His absence would force coach Sam Mitchell to reshuffle his lineup and potentially rely on less experienced players.
The tribunal hearing represents a crucial opportunity for Hawthorn to make their case and ensure their co-captain is available for the start of the season. The club will be hoping that a thorough review of the incident will lead to a favorable outcome, allowing Newcombe to lead the team onto the field against Greater Western Sydney. The league’s evolving interpretations of dangerous play and the stricter grading of striking incidents will undoubtedly be closely watched by all clubs as the season unfolds.
The AFL Tribunal will hear Hawthorn’s challenge on Tuesday night, with a decision expected shortly thereafter. This outcome will set the tone for how similar incidents are handled throughout the 2026 season and will be a key talking point in the lead-up to the Opening Round.
What are your thoughts on the Newcombe incident and the new striking rules? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
