Nathan Brown’s AFL season is probably over after the St Kilda defender concussed Essendon speedster Adam Saad.
Brown caught Saad unawares with a heavy bump late in the first term of Friday night’s Etihad Stadium clash.
Play was held up for nearly five minutes as Saad was stretchered from the field.
Saad was sitting on the bench by the end of the game and there is some hope he might be available for Friday night’s match against Richmond.
But even Saints coach Alan Richardson conceded the incident did not look good for Brown, conceding the bump “was late”.
Essendon coach John Worsfold said the incident was “disappointing”.
The Bombers have their own match review concern, with Cale Hooker potentially in trouble.
He collected Daniel McKenzie high with a swinging arm, meaning Hooker’s free kick was reversed.
The contact did not affect McKenzie, but match reviewer Michael Christian is certain to scrutinise the incident.