Sam Butler during the VFL Preliminary Final between Box Hill and Essendon at Box Hill City Oval, September 12th, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

HAWTHORN has been dealt a curveball ahead of the final steps in its 2026 campaign with Sam Butler handed a two-match suspension in the VFL.

The penalty was dealt out for a high bump on Essendon's Harry Jones during Box Hill's preliminary final win on Saturday, a result that has sent the Hawks into the VFL Grand Final against Geelong this weekend.

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The bump was assessed as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.

Butler can reduce the penalty to one match with an early plea, which would make him available for the AFL Grand Final should Hawthorn overcome Brisbane this Saturday.

However, accepting the early plea would ensure he misses out on being part of Box Hill's VFL Grand Final.

While he has played only eight senior games this year, most recently in round 22, Butler offers Sam Mitchell an option as a small forward who can go into the midfield if required.

The Hawks will need to weigh up whether to cut the ban to just one week so Butler will be available for the AFL Grand Final, or take the matter to the VFL tribunal to try and free him up for the VFL decider on Sunday.

Key forward Calsher Dear also fell foul of the MRO, handed a fine for misconduct, but he is available to play this weekend.