Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe has been offered a one-week suspension by the Australian Football League Tribunal today for a "careless" tackle during a pre-season match against the Western Bulldogs. The incident, which occurred late in the game, was graded as medium impact and high contact by the Match Review Officer. This decision comes as a blow to the Hawks' preparations for the upcoming 2026 season, as Newcombe is a vital part of their midfield engine room.

Hawthorn is reportedly planning to appeal the decision in hopes of having Newcombe available for their high-stakes opening clash against GWS. The club argues that the tackle was a footballing accident and that the impact level was overstated. If the appeal fails, Newcombe will join a growing list of unavailable players, adding significantly to Hawthorn's early-season woes as they already struggle with several key starters sidelined due to various injuries.

The AFL's strict stance on head-high contact and dangerous tackles remains a major talking point among coaches and fans alike this year. Many experts suggest that this ruling sets a firm precedent for how the 2026 season will be officiated. As the Hawks wait for the tribunal's final verdict on the appeal, the team has had to adjust their training drills to find a suitable replacement for Newcombe's aggressive contested-ball winning ability.