Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe will play in Saturday’s AFL season opener against GWS after successfully appealing a one-match ban at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday. The star midfielder was initially suspended for rough conduct following a tackle on Western Bulldogs’ Ed Richards during a practice match last Friday, but the Tribunal downgraded the penalty to a $2,500 fine.
The outcome is a significant boost for the Hawks as they prepare for their first competitive match of the season, and a major relief for coach Sam Mitchell. Newcombe’s availability is particularly crucial given Hawthorn is already grappling with several key injuries, including Will Day (shoulder), Cam Mackenzie (concussion), and the departure of James Worpel to Geelong.
The incident occurred in the third quarter of the practice match, with Richards’ head hitting the ground as Newcombe completed the tackle. While the match review officer (MRO) initially graded the incident as careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact, the Tribunal ultimately determined the impact was low. According to Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC, “While Richards’ head clearly hits the ground and bounces slightly, there is no injury and absolutely no expression of pain.”
The Key Argument: Force and Impact
The crux of the appeal rested on the level of impact of the tackle. The Tribunal agreed with Hawthorn’s argument that the majority of the force went through Richards’ hip and shoulder before his head made contact with the ground. Gleeson KC explained that this led the Tribunal to conclude that “the potential for injury was not such as to warrant a medium impact grading.” Hawthorn had argued Newcombe attempted to control Richards’ descent, applying a hand to his left hip, while too suggesting Richards had the opportunity to protect himself.
The AFL, however, maintained that it wasn’t reasonable to expect a player to release the ball to protect themselves. Despite this disagreement, the Tribunal ultimately sided with a lesser charge, resulting in the fine rather than a suspension.
Injury Concerns Mount for GWS Ahead of Rematch
While Hawthorn received positive news regarding Newcombe, their upcoming opponent, GWS, is facing a mounting injury crisis. The Giants lost to the Hawks by 19 points in an elimination final last September, and their preparations for a rematch have been hampered by several key injuries. As reported by the ABC, Aaron Cadman (pelvis) and Brent Daniels (hamstring) are the latest additions to the GWS injury list.
Tom Green (knee), Josh Kelly (hip), Sam Taylor (hamstring), and Toby Bedford (hamstring) are already sidelined, with Finn Callaghan (hip flexor) currently listed as a test for Saturday’s game. These absences present a significant challenge for GWS as they travel to Engie Stadium to face a Hawthorn side eager to avenge last year’s finals loss.
Newcombe’s Rise and Role at Hawthorn
Jai Newcombe, born August 2, 2001, has quickly develop into a pivotal figure for Hawthorn since being drafted as a mid-season rookie in 2021. According to his Wikipedia profile, he currently co-captains the club and won the Peter Crimmins Medal in 2024, recognizing him as the Hawks’ best and fairest player. He was also named in the AFLCA Best Young Player award in 2022 and was a vice-captain in the 22under22 team in 2023.
Newcombe’s journey to the AFL wasn’t straightforward. He faced setbacks in his junior years, being unable to secure a spot in the Gippsland Power squads at ages 16, 17, and 18. He eventually found his way through the Box Hill Hawks in the Victorian Football League (VFL) before earning his opportunity with Hawthorn.
The successful appeal ensures Newcombe will be available for a crucial match against a depleted GWS side. The Hawks will be looking to capitalize on their opponent’s injury woes and start the season with a strong win. The AFL season is still young, but this early result could set the tone for both teams’ campaigns.
The next update regarding team selections and injury reports for both Hawthorn and GWS is expected on Friday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s game at Engie Stadium. Fans can stay informed through official AFL channels and club websites.
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