Carlton forward Will Hayward has injured his right foot after flying for a spectacular mark over Western Bulldogs' Ryley Sanders.
During the third quarter of the tight Wildcard Round affecting tussle between the two clubs, Hayward soared over Sanders' shoulders to take a genuine Mark of the Year contender.
As Hayward landed, his foot hit the ground and bent awkwardly with the Blues star grimacing in pain immediately.
Hayward got to his feet but it was clear he was in pain.
Like all forwards, Hayward was determined to take his set shot and although he hobbled as he did it, he kicked his third goal of the game before slowly and sorely jogging off to the bench.
He was taken down to the rooms immediately, with fears of a syndesmosis injury rising.
Hayward was then seen on the bench trying to do run throughs but remained in pain and had very little mobility.
The 27-year-old continued to try to convince the club doctors he was right to return to the field throughout the three-quarter time break and into the fourth term. At one stage he came onto the ground before being taken off 30 seconds later.
With 10 minutes to go, Hayward was finally taken out of the game.
He's taken Mark of the Year, hurt himself and still kicked the goal 🤯
Absolutely incredible stuff from Carlton's Will Hayward - who limped down the race immediately after this piece of brilliance. #AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/e9Ph8xqdGk— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 16, 2026
Hayward could potentially have one hand on the MOTY award and the frequent flyer miles that come with it, but the mark may have come at a cost if his injury means he misses any wildcard or finals games.
Meanwhile, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs were playing out a thriller.
The Blues had to win to secure a guaranteed place in Wildcard Round, with the already qualified Dogs fighting tooth and nail to deny their opposition in a feisty and fiery affair.
The Bulldogs were also missing superstar Marcus Bontempelli (managed) and ruck Tim English (injured).
