The MCG fell into a stunned silence after a terrifying incident involving Melbourne forward Brody Mihocek. The 33-year-old, playing against the team with which he won a premiership, appeared to suffer a concussion and neck injury during a tackle with Billy Frampton.
Frampton immediately called for help, and play was quickly stopped as medical staff rushed onto the field to assist Mihocek, who was seen convulsing. Hamish McLachlan, commentating on Seven, said: "He's in proper trouble. He's convulsing. That's no good." McLachlan added that Mihocek had been talking to Frampton, saying, "I'm no good here."
Brian Taylor described the scene: "We're shocked at that vision. Steven King and everyone at the MCG has just gone to a hush. It is just horrible. Both teams are stunned. As is the crowd." Taylor noted that Frampton could be "shaken" by the incident, while Dale Thomas praised the immediate care from both sets of players. "You could see the immediate care. And that is credit to all players who go out there and do it, because you do, you fight right on that line," Thomas said. "But as soon as there's an incident, immediately, there was no carry-on, it was part of a tackle, a big moment, a holding the ball decision, but instead of getting up, he was sitting there taking full care."
Play was halted for just under 10 minutes as Mihocek was eventually taken from the field on a stretcher. Players from both clubs went over to the much-loved player to wish him well. He was then taken to hospital in an ambulance with a neck brace on. Channel 7's Tom Morris reported that Mihocek was moving his legs, which was seen as a positive sign.
More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.
