GOLD Coast defender Kade Kolodjashnij was knocked out and stretchered off the ground early in the third quarter after copping a knee to the head from Richmond's Sam Lloyd.

Lloyd was making a legitimate attempt at a mark, with no intention of malice.

Kolodjashnij lay on the ground for several minutes and did not move in what was his 50th game. He required a neck brace.

The Suns reported Kolodjashnij was conscious and sitting up in the rooms soon after, talking to his brother, Geelong's Jake.

"They've got to check his neck. We've got a bye next week so if his neck is OK, I think he should be alright (to play in a fortnight)," coach Rodney Eade said after the match.