ESSENDON coach John Worsfold believes Luke Hodge has nothing to worry about for a bump that sidelined Dyson Heppell for the second half of Sunday's clash against Brisbane.
Hodge cleaned up Heppell during the second quarter, leaving the Essendon skipper groggy and sporting a bloody mouth when he was taken from the field.
He was tested for concussion and took no further part in the match.
"From my perspective, Hepp initiated the contact I think," Worsfold said.
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"Hepp came in to put pressure on and it was front-on contact.
"I don't know what hit Hepp's jaw, but I don't think Hodge did anything wrong."
A loose ball bounced between the two players, and at full pace Hodge fumbled, careering into the oncoming Heppell.
Dyson Heppell and Luke Hodge have collided at the 'Gabba, and the Bombers captain has left the ground due to the blood rule.#AFLLionsDons pic.twitter.com/rq0wmR1C6a
— AFL (@AFL) June 10, 2018
The Bombers captain wore the full brunt of the bump and was assisted from the field before being taken to the dressing rooms to be tested.
Although the incident will certainly be looked at by match review officer Michael Christian, Lions coach Chris Fagan also saw nothing wrong with the contest.
"I thought he was going for the ball. I don’t see anything there to be concerned about," Fagan said.
It was a shame for Heppell, who was the best player on the ground until that point, having kicked two goals to go with nine disposals.
"He mentioned that at half time," Worsfold said.
"He said, 'I think I was going pretty well wasn't I coach?' It was disappointing, but that happens in the game."