Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Josh Weddle handed three match ban after Daniel Rioli incident following Hawthorn’s victory over Gold Coast, with the AFL Match Review Officer determining the Hawks defender’s bump warranted a significant suspension. The incident occurred during the second quarter at People First Stadium and left Rioli with a fractured jaw, resulting in a lengthy absence for Weddle at a crucial stage of the season.
The suspension means Weddle will miss upcoming matches against GWS, Melbourne and Carlton, while Gold Coast’s Sam Clohesy has also been sanctioned following a separate rough conduct charge.
Weddle suspended after Rioli suffers fractured jaw
The AFL handed down a three match suspension to Hawthorn defender Josh Weddle after reviewing his contact on Suns star Daniel Rioli.
Rioli had already disposed of the football when Weddle made contact with his shoulder, striking the Gold Coast player in the jaw.
The impact left Rioli requiring medical attention and subsequent scans confirmed a fractured jaw.
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick later confirmed the injury would sideline the former Richmond premiership player for an extended period.
The Match Review Officer graded the incident as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact, leading to the three match penalty.
Major loss for Hawthorn
Weddle’s suspension comes as a significant setback for Hawthorn.
The young defender has become an important part of the Hawks' lineup and his absence will force the club to make adjustments during a critical period of the season.
Hawthorn now faces matches against GWS, Melbourne and Carlton without one of its key defensive contributors.
The suspension adds further challenges for coach Sam Mitchell as the club continues its push toward finals contention.
Clohesy also banned
Gold Coast midfielder Sam Clohesy was also sanctioned following an incident involving Hawthorn youngster Cam Nairn.
Clohesy received a two match suspension after a driving tackle during the second quarter.
Although Nairn was able to return to the game after receiving treatment, the incident was graded as careless conduct, high impact and high contact.
The suspension will rule Clohesy out of Gold Coast's upcoming fixtures against Fremantle and Collingwood.
The Suns will need to cover the absence of another player as they attempt to remain competitive in the finals race.
Injury concerns continue for Hawks
Hawthorn's night was further complicated by a hamstring injury suffered by experienced defender Jarman Impey.
The veteran was unable to finish the match and is expected to miss several weeks.
Impey's injury, combined with Weddle’s suspension, leaves Hawthorn with significant defensive challenges heading into the coming rounds.
The club will likely need to rely on squad depth as it navigates a difficult stretch of the season.
Ginnivan fined for striking
Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan also attracted attention from the Match Review Officer.
Ginnivan was charged with striking Gold Coast player Zeke Uwland during the contest.
However, the incident was considered less serious and can be resolved with a financial penalty.
The forward can accept a $1,000 fine and remain available for selection.
Rioli faces recovery period
For Gold Coast, the immediate concern remains Daniel Rioli’s recovery.
The former Richmond premiership player has been one of the Suns’ most important performers and his absence will be a significant blow.
Hardwick indicated that Rioli is expected to miss multiple matches while recovering from the fractured jaw.
His injury occurred during a highly physical opening half that featured several incidents reviewed by AFL officials after the match.
As both clubs assess the fallout, the suspensions and injuries from Friday night's clash are likely to have a considerable impact on their respective campaigns over the coming weeks.