AFL Tribunal Downgrades Jai Newcombe's One-Match Ban to Fine

Newcombe Cleared for Opening Round After Tribunal Downgrades Ban

Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe is eligible to play in the upcoming Opening Round match after the AFL Tribunal downgraded his one-match ban for rough conduct to a fine. The incident, which occurred during a pre-season match against the Western Bulldogs, involved a tackle on Ed Richards. Meanwhile, West Coast's Harry Schoenberg received a one-game suspension for striking, while Essendon's Sam Durham was cleared of a tackle incident.

Newcombe's Rough Conduct Incident and Tribunal Decision

During a pre-season match against the Western Bulldogs, Jai Newcombe executed a tackle on Western Bulldogs player Ed Richards. Richards had one arm pinned during the tackle, and his head made contact with the ground. Richards did not sustain an injury and continued playing the match.

The AFL Match Review Officer (MRO) initially graded the incident as careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact, which would typically result in a one-match suspension.

Hawthorn challenged the MRO's ruling at the AFL Tribunal. The club argued that Newcombe attempted to control Richards' descent by placing a hand on his hip. Hawthorn also contended that Richards had an opportunity to protect himself by releasing the ball. The Tribunal, however, concluded that it is not reasonable to expect a player to drop the ball for self-protection.

Following deliberation, the Tribunal upheld the charge of rough conduct but determined that the impact was low. Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC noted that while Richards' head contacted the ground, there was no injury or apparent pain, and he resumed play.

Gleeson stated that the majority of the force was absorbed by Richards' hip and shoulder before his head hit the ground, indicating that the potential for injury did not meet the criteria for a medium impact grading.

As a result of the Tribunal's decision, Newcombe's one-match ban was downgraded to a fine, making him available for Hawthorn's Opening Round match against Greater Western Sydney.

Other Match Review Officer Findings

Essendon midfielder Sam Durham was under review for a tackle on St Kilda's Ryan Byrnes during a pre-season match, where one of Byrnes' arms was pinned. The MRO subsequently cleared Durham of any wrongdoing in this incident.

West Coast recruit Harry Schoenberg received a one-game suspension for striking Port Adelaide's Logan Evans in the fourth quarter of their AAMI Community Series match. The MRO graded this incident as intentional conduct, medium impact, and body contact.

This suspension represents an early application of a new Match Review guideline for 2026, which states that strikes are more frequently graded as medium impact, often leading to a one-week suspension.

MRO Michael Christian has clarified that a strike is defined as a blow delivered with force, regardless of whether it involves a clenched fist or open palm.

Upcoming Matches and Player Availability

Hawthorn is scheduled to play Greater Western Sydney in the Opening Round. In addition to Newcombe's availability, other Hawthorn players unavailable include Will Day (shoulder) and Cam Mackenzie (concussion).

Greater Western Sydney will also have several players sidelined for the match, including Tom Green (knee), Josh Kelly (hip), Sam Taylor (hamstring), and Toby Bedford (hamstring). Finn Callaghan (hip flexor) is undergoing fitness assessment.