Tom Liberatore will be rested for the Western Bulldogs’ next game after his dramatic collapse late during Friday night’s loss to Essendon.
The star midfielder fell to the ground with nobody near him at Marvel Stadium, prompting opponent Darcy Parish to signal to the benches for assistance.
The Bulldogs say their clearance beast has passed concussion protocols, but he will sit out next Thursday night’s game against St Kilda after the “concerning” incident.
Mindful of the sensitivities around concussion in sport, the Dogs were at pains to explain what was happening with Liberatore.
“Immediately following [the game], Liberatore reported to the Bulldogs’ medical team with no concussion symptoms and passed a head injury assessment, conducted as per AFL protocols,” the club said in a Saturday afternoon statement.
“Tom remains without concussion symptoms this morning. However, given the concerning nature of in-game footage during the final minutes that show Tom falling to the ground, the club’s medical team has subsequently reached a decision to place him in concussion protocols.
“This decision has been taken with an abundance of caution, with Tom’s health and wellbeing the absolute priority.
“As a result, Tom will miss Thursday’s match against St Kilda and will continue to be monitored.”
AAP