The AFL Players Association has called for protocols around on-field player safety to be tightened after the botched handling of Lachie Schultz’s concussion last Thursday night.
The AFL’s football boss Laura Kane took responsibility for the Schultz situation after it emerged on Tuesday night that umpires were aware the Collingwood player was lying injured on Optus Stadium despite later telling the AFL they hadn’t seen him.
Lachie Schultz of the Magpies collapses in the hands of medical staff.Credit: Getty Images
The audio of the umpires’ on-field discussion was played on Seven’s The Agenda Setters on Tuesday night in an embarrassing situation for the league.
It comes after several instances in the past 12 months of controversial handling of player injuries, scenarios players’ union boss Paul Marsh says can be avoided with clearer procedures.
Melbourne star Christian Petracca came back onto the field despite suffering what were later found to be life-threatening internal injuries on King’s Birthday last year. Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron stayed on the field despite later being diagnosed with concussion, while more recently play continued with Essendon’s Harry Jones stricken on the boundary line with a gruesome dislocated ankle.
“It is now clear that the umpires noticed Lachie Schultz’s injury and had the opportunity to stop the play to ensure he left the field safely,” Marsh said in a statement released to this masthead.
“What this highlights to us is that the process of dealing with vital health and safety issues on the field is unclear, and there are many recent examples of the industry needing to better prepare everyone for when these situations occur.
“Equally, we are disappointed that the AFL failed to appropriately review a serious on-field incident but acknowledge that they have taken responsibility for this.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the industry to continually strengthen health and safety protocols for our members.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
