Harley Reid: West Coast Eagles star slugged two-match ban for dangerous tackle

West Coast star Harley Reid is set to miss the opening two rounds of next season after being suspended for his dangerous tackle on Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe.

Reid was cited by the Match Review Officer after his sling tackle on Newcombe left the Hawk dazed on Sunday night.

While Newcombe avoided concussion, he left the field to be assessed by Hawthorn’s medical staff before returning to the field to finish the game. The charge was listed as careless conduct with high impact and high contact.

It is the second time during Reid’s career where he has been suspended for a dangerous tackle. The first occurred during his debut season and that ban cost him the chance to win the AFL Rising Star award.

The Eagles have until 9am on Tuesday to decide whether to challenge the ban at the tribunal.

Reid has had a brilliant season for the Eagles and is the clear favourite to win their best-and-fairest award. But now West Coast will likely have to start their 2027 campaign without their best player and biggest star.

Reid on Sunday conceded his 68th free kick of the season, surpassing Garry Hocking’s 67 from 1991 for the most ever by a player in a year in the AFL era.

Brandon Starcevich can accept a $1000 fine for making careless contact with an umpire. Bo Allan was also fined $1000 for misconduct after bumping Nick Watson into the fence.