Hawthorn defender Josh Weddle has been handed a three-match suspension by the AFL Match Review Officer, while Gold Coast's Sam Clohesy also faces a rough-conduct ban following a first half of intense action on Friday night.
Weddle's Suspension
Weddle is set to miss games against GWS, Melbourne, and Carlton after his late hit on Daniel Rioli left the Suns star with a fractured jaw. Rioli had already disposed of the ball when he copped contact to the jaw from Weddle's shoulder. Suns coach Damien Hardwick confirmed that the three-time Richmond premiership winner will miss "some time" due to the injury.
The incident occurred in the second quarter of Hawthorn's 16-point win at People First Stadium and was graded as careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact.
Clohesy's Ban
Rioli's teammate Sam Clohesy received a two-match ban for his driving tackle on Hawk Cam Nairn, also during the second quarter. Nairn was able to return to the match after the tackle, with the incident graded as careless conduct, high impact, and high contact. Clohesy will miss Gold Coast's away clash against league leaders Fremantle and a home match against Collingwood.
Other Injuries and Fines
Hawthorn also lost Jarman Impey to a hamstring injury in the first half, with the club expecting the veteran defender to miss several weeks. Hawks star Jack Ginnivan drew the ire of the Match Review Officer for striking Suns opponent Zeke Uwland, but he can accept a $1000 fine.
