The AFL MRO has handed West Coast Eagles midfielder Harley Reid a two-match sanction for his dangerous tackle, perpetrated against Hawk Jai Newcombe in the final match of the home and away season.
Match Review Officer Michael Christian cited Reid for rough conduct, deeming the act careless, high impact and high contact, after Newcombe's head collided heavily with the Optus Stadium turf in the final term of the Hawks' top-four sealing victory over Reid's languishing Eagles.
That combination delineates a two-match ban, as has been handed to the third-year midfielder.
Reid and his club have one lever to pull in the hopes of minimising the sanction - that being that Newcombe had both hands free to brace himself for contact with the ground as Reid only had the Hawthorn co-captain's jumper in his clutches.
Midfielder Harley Reid has been offered a two-match sanction for Rough Conduct by the Match Review Officer following Sunday night’s loss to the Hawks.https://t.co/VWoaKSWwCB
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) August 24, 2026
It's the latest disciplinary measure to be taken against Reid this season, who leads the competition in free kicks against for players to feature more than once, after conceding three per game.
The umpiring of his firebrand caused coach Andrew McQualter to enquire of the AFL regarding the 2024 Rising Star's treatment, some weeks ago.
The Eagles are expected to communicate their decision regarding a potential challenge of the sanction by close of business on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Swans veteran Dane Rampe was handed a $3000 fine ($2000 with an early plea) for striking North Melbourne's Jack Darling.
Newcombe himself was cited for careless contact with an umpire, as was Eagle Brandon Starcevich. The fine for such a sanction is $1500, or $1000 with an early plea.
Eagles youngster Bo Allan was fined $1500 ($1000 with an early plea) for 'other misconduct', after an incident involving Hawthorn small, Nick Watson.
