THE SEAGULL injured during Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium has made a full recovery.
The bird was clipped by a ball, kicked by Cameron Zurhaar down the wing and over the head of Jarrad Waite, with just under three minutes to play in the opening term between North Melbourne and Hawthorn.
Etihad Stadium confirmed on Monday the seagull, which had become stuck inside the venue when the roof was closed, was able to fly away.
Commentator Brian Taylor declared the bird's "right wing has been partially dislocated," leading to an outpouring of concern from fans on social media.
WATCH: Etihad seagull cops a Sherrin
"We are happy to advise that the seagull who sustained an injury was taken into a safe area within the stadium to make sure he was OK," a stadium spokesperson told AFL.com.au on Monday.
"His wing made a speedy recovery and he flew away later in the afternoon."
Seagulls have had a torturous relationship with footy over the years with the MCG going to the extent of having wires installed across the ground while wedge-tailed eagles have also been used to scare off the hungry birds.
I hope they get a vet to check the seagull. :( #AFLNorthHawks
— Tazmos (@tazmos7) April 22, 2018
I don't follow AFL as much as I did when I was younger, but it's not every day a seagull gets to be a spectator, let alone injured by the ball. Hope it got home safely. #AFLNorthHawks
— BlazingShadow (@BlazerShadow491) April 23, 2018
I hope they took the seagull to the vet , bought it a bucket of chips , and gave the Sherrin 2 weeks for unduly rough play . #AFLNorthHawks
— Keiron (@RealKeiron) April 22, 2018
Hi @EtihadStadiumAU @ralftheroof can I have a seagull update please? I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight without knowing if it is okay. Thanks. #SaveTheSeagull #AFLNorthHawks @AFL
— Mad (@brownand_gold) April 22, 2018
Forget the score, I need a seagull update! #aflnorthhawks
— Erin Mould (@pfinger18) April 22, 2018