STAR Carlton defender Jacob Weitering says he has no regrets about playing in AAMI AFL Origin despite suffering a scary injury that landed him in hospital.
Weitering was sandwiched in a high-flying marking contest and had the full weight of WA forward Mitch Georgiades fall on his ribs and shoulder as they crashed to the turf during the opening quarter of Saturday's clash.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA v VICTORIA Full match coverage and stats
But it was Weitering's neck that was the biggest concern, with the 28-year-old stretchered off the field and taken to hospital for scans.
Weitering has now been cleared of any neck, spinal or major internal injuries, and he was released from hospital on Sunday morning and given permission to fly back to Melbourne.
But the 204-game veteran isn't totally out of the woods, with further investigations required on the soreness he is still experiencing in his chest and shoulder.
The untimely injury means the Carlton vice-captain is in doubt for the Blues' Opening Round clash against Sydney on March 5.
Weitering was in good spirits when he flew out from Perth on Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Victoria secured a 24-point win.
"Pretty sore still. We'll know more hopefully by tomorrow," he told reporters.
"But a good result, obviously on the plane home today. I was fully conscious through the whole thing.
"There was a bit of soreness through the upper back and the shoulder, so we'll know more tomorrow. But a good result so far."
Weitering didn't hesitate when asked if he had any regrets about participating in the game.
"Not at all, absolutely loved the week," he said.
"The result went our way as well, I kept up with the scores in hospital.
"I would certainly do it again if I got the opportunity."
Weitering declared he would be doing everything he can to get up for Carlton's season opener in what would be a dream match-up against former Blue and new Sydney recruit Charlie Curnow.
Gold Coast star Matt Rowell also suffered a finger injury in the game, although he told AFL.com.au that he's expecting it to be a one-week injury, while Georgiades, Adelaide recruit Callum Ah Chee and GWS defender Sam Taylor all failed to finish the game due to 'hamstring awareness'.
State of Origin started to wane in the 1990s as clubs became more cautious about releasing their players, fearing serious injuries.
Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield hopes to see the Origin concept thrive into the future despite the risk of injuries.
And he was happy to hear Weitering had been cleared, with Dangerfield revealing the star Blue had celebrated with the group from his hospital bed.
"He was engaged with the WhatsApp group, that's for sure. That lit up last night," Dangerfield said on Sunday.
"It's good to see the big fella has been cleared.
"It (injuries) are part of footy unfortunately, it's the combative nature that we love."