The new concussion system giving the AFL review centre (ARC) was in full show as spotters pulled Adelaide defender Jordon Butts from the ground, despite the club doctors initially clearing him on the field.
Butts copped friendly fire in a marking contest and appeared dazed as he went to the ground, with 13:25 on the clock.
Crows club doctors ran to his aid before the No.41 remained on the field for considerable time.
Channel Seven footage showed Adelaide doctors assessing the vision of the marking contest, with one spotted in the broadcast to have received a phone call, which is believed to be a spotter from the ARC.
Butts, despite being urged by club doctors, and wanting to stay on the ground, was forced to the bench of GMHBA Stadium at 7:05 left in the third term.
The 26-year-old eventually was cleared of any signs of concussion, and resumed playing.
"I'm led to believe it played out really well as far as the AFL are concerned," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said following the eight-point loss.
"Our guys are pros in that space, we don't put anyone at risk. But as far as I'm aware, and I don't know all the detail, I've only been told that it was actually done really professionally.
"We don't want to leave a player out there if there is any risk, so I believe it was done really well. But I am getting that second hand."
The AFL's long-running court battle with concussion emerged back into the spotlight once again this week following a collective of players that joined a class action against the league and clubs.
While concussion prevention is paramount, of course, it’s “interesting” that Adelaide’s primary tall defender was taken from the field for an extended time, by the “afl” at a crucial time in the game…..
…..but then there are some other “dubious decisions” (incl. immediate “calls to “play on” rather than allow a player who has marked to take that kick from the mark) as well as the game changing call that the ball going out of bounds of the Geelong player’s foot means that Geelong gets a free kick……… and I’ve always thought that a player was not permitted, in a ruck contest, to grab an opponent around the waist … for the purpose of dumping him…..
The “stand rule” is both stupid and open to arbitrary “preferenced” application, as also illustrated in the game.
Having said that – Geelong did play direct and coherently. Whenever Adelaide try to “control movement” in a game they look slow and indecisive.