FOUR players were concussed during the first seven games of round five.
North Melbourne lost two of its players in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over Hawthorn, with Shaun Higgins left dazed on the ground after a heavy hit from Ryan Burton, while just seconds later, Ed Vickers-Willis was left worse for wear after he collided with Harry Morrison.
Higgins, who was motionless before being stretchered from the ground, underwent tests in hospital on Sunday night.
He was cleared of any neck fracture but will need plastic surgery on his lip.
Vickers-Willis was able to leave the field unaided but failed a concussion test and missed the final term.
St Kilda’s Jack Newnes will be monitored during the week, after he was left concussed from a Dawson Simpson bump in the opening quarter.
And Geelong will keep an eye on Scott Selwood, who took no further part in the Cats’ big win over Port Adelaide, following a hit from Lindsay Thomas in the second quarter.
Geelong will also be sweating on Tom Hawkins’ fitness, after the key forward was a very late withdrawal because of back spasms in the warm-up.
Fremantle’s impressive start to the season has been dealt a blow, with key forward Matt Taberner set to be sidelined for some time with a broken foot.
Adelaide's injury woes have also worsened. The Crows are likely to be without defender Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) for a few weeks.
Hawthorn’s loss was compounded by an injury concern to Liam Shiels. The Hawks vice-captain left the ground for good late in the third quarter with lower back spasms.
Recently recalled forward Tory Dickson (hamstring) joined the Bulldogs’ long injury list.
- Nick Haynes could be in doubt for the Giants’ round six clash with Brisbane. The defender hurt a knee in a marking contest in the opening quarter. Haynes limped from the ground, but returned.
- Carlton star Patrick Cripps should be fine to face the Bulldogs on Friday night, after he was left with a bloody nose, courtesy of an errant Scott Lycett arm, just minutes before the final siren. Cameron O’Shea collided with teammate Lochie O’Brien in the final quarter and will be monitored.
- West Coast defender Brad Sheppard was hobbling momentarily, after he dived to prevent a Carlton goal in the first term. Sheppard played out the game. Willie Rioli tried to lay a big hit on Paddy Dow and left the field holding his head, but came back on soon after.
- Hamish Hartlett seemed to suffer no ill effects from a head clash with Patrick Dangerfield. Hartlett had a cut on his head, but after having it taped up, he returned in the second half. Ollie Wines rolled an ankle, but he also played out the match after having it re-strapped. Todd Marshall, who was concussed last week, was a late withdrawal.
- Bulldogs young gun Aaron Naughton received a cut to the face, thanks to some friendly fire from Zaine Cordy in the third term.
- Suns small forward Darcy MacPherson limped off with a lower leg injury in the second term and will undergo scans early in the week. Co-captain Steven May dislocated a finger in the third quarter, but returned to play out the game.
- Dayne Zorko spent a few minutes on the bench in the final quarter with what appeared to be an elbow injury, but returned to the field.
