GOLD Coast is anxiously awaiting the results of scans to skipper Gary Ablett's shoulder, while veteran Michael Rischitelli's season is likely to be over after the pair went down in separate incidents in the QClash.
Ablett came off the ground in the last quarter after hurting his left shoulder while tackling Lion Mitch Robinson – the same joint the 32-year-old had reconstructed in 2014.
Speaking post-match, Suns coach Rodney Eade was hopeful Ablett had avoided serious injury, saying the dual Brownlow medallist had "reasonable strength and reasonable range of movement" in his arm.
Rischitelli is almost certain to have ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the opening minutes against the Lions in what was his 100th game for the expansion club.
The 30-year-old's knee gave way as he changed direction while attempting to tackle Robinson.
Rischitelli slammed his fist on the turf repeatedly as he lay on the ground in pain, with the club expecting scans on Monday to confirm an ACL tear.
Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore was taken to hospital after receiving a knee to his ribs from Tiger Jayden Short in a marking contest just before half-time.
He was assessed in the rooms at the main break and taken to hospital for further observation, where he was cleared of internal damage.
Tom Liberatore has been sent to hospital after copping a heavy knock in this marking contest late in the first half. https://t.co/3d5D2SioBc
— AFL (@AFL) July 9, 2016
North Melbourne midfielder Farren Ray did not feature in the second half against West Coast due to a right hamstring issue, while forward Mason Wood's afternoon also ended prematurely with ice strapped around his left knee.
Wood sustained the injury in a third-quarter tackle on Eagle Will Schofield, who fell across the 22-year-old's leg.
Mason Wood limped off the ground after this incident. #AFLEaglesNorth https://t.co/zHG87yydAe
— AFL (@AFL) July 10, 2016
Carlton midfielder Dale Thomas was rested in the final quarter after battling a right calf complaint for much of the game against Adelaide.
Young Lions defender Darcy Gardiner had ice applied to his left ankle late in the match against the Suns after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.
Several Port Adelaide players were left battered and bruised against Hawthorn, headlined by midfielder Brad Ebert, who was taken to hospital for precautionary scans after coughing up blood following a heavy landing in the first term.
The 26-year-old, who landed on his back after latching onto a strong pack mark, was diagnosed with bruised ribs but remained "a real chance" to face North Melbourne this Saturday, according to Power coach Ken Hinkley.
Brad Ebert took a courageous mark but he started coughing up blood after a hard landing. #AFLPowerHawks https://t.co/6dGzJY5A2g
— AFL (@AFL) July 7, 2016
In other injury concerns at the weekend:
- Hawk Liam Shiels remains in doubt for Thursday night's blockbuster against the Sydney Swans after failing to take part in the second half against the Power due to hamstring tightness.
- Magpie Alex Fasolo spent a large chunk of the final quarter against GWS on the interchange bench and had his left shoulder assessed.
- Demons defender Oscar McDonald landed awkwardly on his left ankle as he spoiled the ball in a marking contest. The 20-year-old sat out the final term against Fremantle and was on crutches after the game.
- Demon Bernie Vince had his right shin heavily strapped in the first term against the Dockers after crashing into a contest, and battled through the match after quarter-time with a slight limp.
- Fremantle captain David Mundy received a head knock and spent the last quarter on the bench after failing a concussion test.
- Fellow Docker Garrick Ibbotson needed treatment for a blood nose he received from an accidental Christian Petracca knee to the face in the first quarter.
- Lion Daniel Rich suffered a head knock after colliding into Sun Nick Malceski in the opening term. Despite being left dazed, the 26-year-old returned and was used mainly as a forward for the rest of the match.
Rich goes down after being collected high by Malceski in this incident #AFLSunsLions https://t.co/I1YWovg6Wi
— AFL (@AFL) July 9, 2016
- Suns midfielder Dion Prestia experienced knee soreness against the Lions and remains in doubt to face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
- Power vice-captain Hamish Hartlett and defender Logan Austin suffered head knocks in separate marking contests against the Hawks, but they both returned to the field.
- Port forward Charlie Dixon received medical treatment at the interchange area in the third quarter after experiencing back pain that spread down his leg, which left him with a pronounced limp through much of the second half.