Hawthorn star Jai Newcombe will not face any punishment from the MRO for the collision involving him and Collingwood key defender Jeremy Howe on Thursday night.
Howe and Newcombe collided in the opening minute of Collingwood's 64-point loss to Hawthorn, leaving the 35-year-old veteran unconscious and ultimately with a concussion.
Newcombe was also assessed by team doctors following the brutal impact, but was deemed to be healthy and played out the remainder of the match.
In its release, the MRO provided an explanation for their judgment on the incident.
"Newcombe and Howe approach a loose ball from opposite directions and as the ball bounces towards and into the possession of Howe, Newcombe elects to tackle and in this attempt to tackle, a head clash occurs," the Match Review Officer wrote.
"It was the view of the MRO that Newcombe's attempt to tackle was not unreasonable in the circumstances and did not constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken."
Play has stopped following this collision between Jeremy Howe and Jai Newcombe.#AFLHawksPies pic.twitter.com/FRtfIxXwx7
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 7, 2025
However, Hawthorn forward Mabior Chol was not seen as favourably by the MRO, being handed a $3000 fine for rough conduct against Collingwood's Daniel McStay during the first quarter, though it can be reduced to $2000 with an early plea.
The MRO graded Chol's conduct as being careless, of high contact but with low impact.
McStay has also received a $3000 fine for tripping Hawthorn's Nick Watson in the first quarter, which can be reduced to $2000 with an early plea. The MRO deemed the action to be intentional, with low impact and of body contact.
