Demons Exercise Caution with Zanker After Heavy Hit
In a dramatic turn of events during Sunday's AFLW qualifying final at Ikon Park, Melbourne Demons' key forward Eden Zanker was removed from the game against the Brisbane Lions following a heavy first-quarter bump.
The incident, which occurred during a fiercely contested clash, saw Zanker receive immediate medical attention. Club trainers assisted her from the field to undergo a mandatory Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
Passed Test, But Benched Regardless
Despite successfully passing the SCAT6 test and returning to the field for the second quarter, Zanker's game was cut short. Just before half-time, in a decision that raised eyebrows, the Demons' medical team took the star forward out of the contest for good.
Boundary rider Nat Edwards clarified the situation, stating, "She actually passed the SCAT6 test, so she was cleared, but out of extra caution, the Dees have decided to bench her for the rest of the game."
Protocol Grey Area Creates Selection Dilemma
This precautionary measure immediately sparked debate among commentators. With Zanker having passed the official concussion test, her status for a potential preliminary final next week—should Melbourne lose to Brisbane—was thrown into confusion.
Commentator Jason Bennett noted the implications, saying, "So that will have an impact on the future in terms of whether she’s available next week. If they win, of course, they will get the week off."
Kate McCarthy labelled the situation a "grey area," questioning, "That’s a grey area, because is she out with concussion? If she’s passed the test, she’s not out with concussion, and could play next week. That’s very confusing."
Edwards later reported that the club itself was "unsure" about Zanker's eligibility for next week, suggesting the matter would require clarification from the league, especially concerning potential delayed concussion symptoms.
The match itself saw a momentum shift, with Melbourne dominating the first term with two goals, only for Brisbane to kick three goals in a blistering four-minute period during the second quarter to seize the lead.
