Port Adelaide has received a "please explain" from the AFL for its handling of a sickening Aliir Aliir and Lachie Jones head clash.
The head knock, which saw Aliir return to the ground after initially appearing unconscious, sparked an AFL investigation.
It is not the first time the Power has been involved in a concussion scandal, with a similar management of an incident between Zak Butters and Tom Jonas earning the cub a $20,000 fine in 2022.
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AFL announces investigation into Port Adelaide concussion management
The AFL released a statement on Monday, addressing the management of Aliir and Jones' head clash during Showdown 54.
As part of the AFL's investigation, both Port Adelaide players have been put into concussion protocol, with neither to be available against Geelong in Round 21.
It is unknown whether further sanctions will be placed on Port Adelaide, following the incident.
AFL Statement on Port Adelaide concussions
"The AFL has issued the Port Adelaide Football Club with a please explain regarding the concussion protocol management of Aliir Aliir, specifically in relation to the Club’s decision not to undertake a SCAT5 concussion test following the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) that occurred during the third quarter of Saturday night’s showdown at Adelaide Oval. Aliir returned to play after the initial HIA without a SCAT5 being undertaken.
"In absence of the SCAT5 test occurring and out of an abundance of caution, the Port Adelaide Football Club has decided to enter Aliir into AFL Concussion protocols and he will be unable to participate, at a minimum, in the clubs Round 21 match this week vs the Geelong Cats.
"Upon further review after being substituted on Saturday night, Port Adelaide player Lachie Jones, who was involved in the collision with Aliir, has also entered AFL Concussion protocols.
"Both players will now need to undertake and medically pass the mandatory 11-step, minimum 12-day process before returning to play. The AFL’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael Makdissi will continue to liaise with Port Adelaide Club doctors in the monitoring both player’s progress."
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Lachie Jones and Aliir Aliir head clash
Part-way through the second quarter, teammates Allir and Jones clashed heads in a marking contest, leaving both players on the ground.
Replays showed that both players appeared to be unconscious after the collision, with both eventually being taken off-ground.
After an HIA, club doctor Mark Fisher deemed that Aliir was fit to return to play.
Jones underwent a full SCAT5 concussion test, which he supposedly passed, but was taken out of the game with a migraine.
The AFL are investigating Port Adelaide's decision to not put Aliir Aliir through a head injury assessment.@cleary_mitch explains. pic.twitter.com/tAnCG6FmYg
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 30, 2023
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Jay Schultz questions Port Adelaide's concussion management
With the apparent seriousness of the clash, and Aliir's importance to the Power's structure, many have questioned whether the club prioritised winning over its player's health.
Former Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz said the head clash made him "feel sick", and that decision-making in this instance should be taken away from the club.
Footage from last nights head clash makes me feel sick. As someone who knows what can happen it’s disappointing. You could see they were both out before hitting the ground. It’s no one’s fault, we play a contact sport but it’s time the decision is taken away from player and club.
— Jay Schulz (@Jschulz28) July 30, 2023
Schulz has himself been affected by concussion injuries, with the former player experiencing the effects of brain trauma at work and in everyday life.
The 38-year-old is also involved in a concussion class action against the AFL, per The Age.
