AFL MRO: Hawks co-captain learns fate for tackle on Dogs star

Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe has been offered a one-match suspension for his dangerous tackle on Western Bulldogs midfielder Ed Richards.

Newcombe brought Richards to ground, pinning one of his arms during the third quarter before driving the Bulldog into the ground.

The Bulldog continued playing the game. The Match Review Officer (MRO) graded the incident as medium impact, careless conduct and high contact.

Is Jai Newcombe in hot water after this tackle on Ed Richards? 🤔#AFLDogsHawks pic.twitter.com/xwla5bBle7

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) February 27, 2026

Sam Mitchell will already be without Cam Mackenzie (concussion) as well Will Day (shoulder) for Opening Round. Newcombe missing would be a massive blow to the midfield.

Despite rumblings, recently re-signed Essendon midfielder Sam Durham escaped sanction for his tackle on St Kilda's Ryan Byrnes, but one West Coast Eagles player was not so lucky.

Harry Schoenberg has been handed a week for striking Port Adelaide's Logan Evans in the fourth quarter of his side's ugly loss to the Power.

Young Bulldog Cooper Hynes sees will see his hip pocket hit, after being handed a fine for careless contact with an umpire. The 20-year-old can see his fine reduced from $1500 to $1000 with an early plea.