AFL 2023 Semi Final Carlton vs Melbourne at the MCG

[rocky]

There is a difference between getting hit in the head.
....and hitting your head.

Decades ago i think it was Scott Lucas who literally walked up to our defender (Bret Thornton?) and were face to face talking then lucas lowered his head and headbutted his chest. He was awarded a free kick for high contact. Thornton literally stood there while the guy walked over and headbutted him....and got penalised for it.

That is the same as what you are saying.
Head high contact was made in both instances.
Head high contact was due to the 'aggressor/tackler' in both instances.

Nobody is doubting Newmans head was hit.
But if you run into a brick wall.....you can't blame the brick wall if you hit your head in the process.

Pffft, don't try and tell me I'm saying something I'm not. Aggressive tackler, please.
You seem to be are laying blame on Newman for trying to apply a legitimate tackle and in the process getting a high hit. (and more specifically his jaw). He should not try and tackle because the "brick wall" has a right to clean you up for doing so. No duty of care? I get the feeling you are trying to suggest Newman was leading with his head? If that's the case then you and I see things far differently than I first thought
Dusty was using high fend offs for years before the AFL started to penalise him for it. At least he wasn't causing any serious damage.