Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe will face a nervous wait over the match review officer’s findings should the Hawks progress to the AFL grand final.

In a dramatic opening to Hawthorn’s preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday, Newcombe crashed into star Lions veteran Lachie Neale at the first centre bounce.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jai Newcombe and Lachie Neale collide in opening seconds

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Neale was felled, staying on the ground for an extended period as the game was stopped.

But the dual Brownlow Medal winner was able to get back up and continue playing.

Neale didn’t go off the field immediately to undergo a head injury assessment.

Lachie Neale was crunched in the opening seconds of the prelim. Credit: Seven

The initial incident looked like trouble for Newcombe.

“It’s a long, nervous week for Jai Newcombe if they get through,” Kane Cornes said on Seven.

However, on further replays, Cornes later said that it’s less likely the Hawk will have a case to answer.

Helping Newcombe’s cause might be a slight push from Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley.

Neale was also able to return and play out the remainder of the match.

— with 7NEWS