GWS ruckman Kieran Briggs is being assessed for a neck injury after being stretchered off during Sunday's clash against Collingwood.
During the first term, Briggs was backing into a marking contest in his defensive 50, but was nudged forward by ruck counterpart Darcy Cameron into oncoming traffic.
Unfortunately, the Giants' big man was collected by teammate Sam Taylor in a brutal blow to the expansion club.
Briggs was replaced by substitute Jacob Wehr.
This incident isn't the first of its kind, with multiple injuries occurring during the pre-season due to incidental contact.
Kieren Briggs has been stretchered off the ground following this contest.#AFLGiantsPies pic.twitter.com/r2mS3R876c
— AFL (@AFL) March 9, 2025
Calls for the AFL to suspend the action that leaves players in vulnerable positions have been made by former players, with the latest occurrence set to be a major talking point.
Prized Pick 1 Sam Lalor fractured his jaw and was left in concussion protocols after he was shoved forward by West Coast youngster Reuben Ginbey.
Brisbane's Brandon Starcevich lived a similar fate after he was prodded forward by Adelaide's Dan Curtin.
It is understood that Briggs has been sent to the hospital but is "upright and talking" according to the club.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae could face scrutiny from the AFL after appearing to instigate a verbal exchange with the GWS bench on Sunday.
McRae, during the second quarter, gestured toward Adam Kingsley and the Giants' interchange, rising to his feet and clapping towards the Giants' interchange after Toby Bedford had given away a 50m penalty for throwing the Magpies' Reef McInnes to the ground.
As a result, Pies forward Brody Mihocek was put five metres out from goal, which he slotted.
Following McRae's motions, Kingsley also appeared to have his own say, before both coaches turned their attention to their respective teams.
"They both wear their hearts on their sleeve and these are two teams that see themselves as top four prospects โ and rightfully they should," commentator Nathan Buckley said.
"Fly's (McRae) getting into Toby Bedford a bit, that's a little bit of the niggle.
"Kingers (Kingsley) is looking across saying โmaybe look after your own backyard there'."
McRae admitted he was "stirring" up Kingsley in the post-match press conference, saying he isn't worried about receiving any penalty.
Craig McRae and Adam Kingsley both dismiss their boundary side confrontation as a spirited chat between old mates.
Kingsley concedes that McRaeโs celebration of a 50m penalty given away by Toby Bedford was central to the incident - but downplays any heat involved in theโฆ
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) March 9, 2025
Kingsley mirrored the Pies' coach, downplaying any head involved in the exchange.
To those of us who are familiar with the rule of the game (that is we’re not umpires “trained” by the afl) it’s a clear case of “push in the back”….. (yet another instance – they’re rarely if ever paid …..