AFL officials intervened to send Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale for a head injury assessment after he appeared dazed following a friendly-fire knee to the head from teammate Cam Rayner during the second quarter of the match against Geelong at the Gabba.
Incident at Centre Bounce
The dual Brownlow medallist was clearly affected after the collision at a centre bounce. Neale stayed down in the centre circle for a moment before standing up and being briefly assessed by a physiotherapist, who left the scene soon after. However, doctors on the boundary were assessing the vision without tending to Neale directly.
Channel 7 commentator Mitch Cleary expressed surprise: "I'm surprised they haven't gone out to him to this stage." Brian Taylor noted that medics are not restricted and can go out at any time. Kane Cornes argued that the umpires should have stopped the game sooner, comparing it to stoppages for minor incidents: "That's where I'd be open for the umpires to stop the game. We stop it at ridiculous times when someone's foot's been trodden on."
AFL Official Steps In
AFL official Aaron Nunn then instructed the emergency umpire to call for a stoppage. Cornes approved: "Right call." Neale looked displeased at being ordered off, but Taylor commented: "That makes absolute sense. Lachie knows deep down that's the right thing." Cornes added: "Absolutely well-handled. Probably three minutes too late but better late than never, well handled by the docs and the AFL on the bench."
Fan Confrontation
In a concerning post-script, Neale copped abuse from a Geelong supporter in the front row. Neale gave it back before being ushered away by the doctor, with the man seen waving at Neale and laughing to his mate. Cornes remarked: "Bit of advice from the locals." Taylor added: "Nothing he hasn't heard before."
