Months after an off-season prank in Arizona made headlines across the AFL, Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore has officially learned his legal fate.
The Hawks forward has avoided a criminal conviction after accepting a diversion agreement in the United States following his arrest during the club’s training camp in Scottsdale last November. Connor Macdonald, who was arrested alongside Moore, has also accepted a similar outcome.
The incident occurred after Moore and Macdonald climbed onto a stationary cherry picker—also referred to as a scissor lift—late at night before being confronted by Scottsdale Police.
Bodycam footage released earlier this year showed officers arresting the pair for criminal trespassing after security staff had instructed them to leave the equipment. During the arrest, Moore initially also faced an allegation relating to drug paraphernalia, although that charge was later dismissed.
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Under the diversion agreement approved by an Arizona court, Moore must complete a substance abuse counselling program, pay a court fee and remain offence-free for a six-month period. If those conditions are met, the trespassing charge will be dismissed without resulting in a criminal conviction. Macdonald accepted the same diversion process.
The incident had significant consequences away from the courtroom.
Hawthorn stripped Moore of the club’s vice-captaincy before the start of the 2026 season, while both players were internally sanctioned by the club. The AFL was informed of the matter but allowed Hawthorn to manage the disciplinary process.
When the story became public earlier this year, Moore admitted the incident was one of the biggest regrets of his career.
Speaking publicly after details emerged, he described it as a “foolish mistake” after a night out and said he immediately contacted Hawthorn officials following the arrest.
“It’s something that I’ll always regret,” Moore said.
“A foolish mistake has led to a night in a jail cell and many regrets.”
The release of police bodycam footage in March showed both Hawthorn players telling officers they had not realised they were trespassing and asking if they could simply get an Uber home rather than be taken into custody. Officers explained they had ignored directions from security personnel to leave the site, resulting in their arrest.
For Hawthorn, the matter now appears close to being resolved.
Provided Moore and Macdonald successfully complete the terms of their diversion agreements, the legal proceedings in Arizona will come to an end without criminal convictions being recorded.
After months of scrutiny, both players can now turn their full attention back to football.
