The MCG has come to a standstill after a scary concussion incident involving Melbourne’s Brody Mihocek in the second quarter of the blockbuster King’s Birthday clash.
The former Collingwood player was left in a bad way on the turf against his old side after a tackle drove his head into the ground. He was later taken to hospital by ambulance.
Play was stopped for more than 15 minutes as medical staff assessed the forward before a stretcher was called for.
Sign up to The Nightly’s newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Demons coach Steven King looked concerned for his player from the coaches’ box as a neck brace was applied to Mihocek.
The 33-year-old was then moved onto the stretcher and a medical cart.
A full house at the home of footy gave Mihocek a round of applause while his teammates and the Pies gave him a tap as he departed the field.
Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos paid tribute to his former teammate at half-time.
“Terrible. We love him. Everyone went over to him, which shows how much we love him. Hope he is OK and he is in our thoughts,” he told Channel 7.
Mihocek had attempted to dummy around Collingwood premiership teammate and West Australian Billy Frampton, but his ankle collapsed under him.
He fell towards Frampton, who wrapped him up and continued with the momentum as he took him to the ground.
Mihocek’s head was between the Pies defender’s ribs and arms as it was driven into the ground before either player could brace.
Commentators were left shocked.
“He’s in proper trouble. He’s convulsing. That’s no good,” Hamish McLachlan said on Seven.
“He was talking to Frampton – I kept my binoculars on, he was basically saying, ‘I’m no good here’.”
Brian Taylor added: “We’re shocked at that vision. Steven King and everyone at the MCG has just gone to a hush. It is just horrible. Both teams are stunned. As is the crowd.”
Frampton, who called for medical assistance after the blow, was awarded a holding-the-ball free kick once play resumed with the Pies two points ahead.
Brody Mihocek of the Demons is assisted by medical staff. Credit: Craig Dooley/AFL Photos
Earlier in the day, Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard was ruled out of the King’s Birthday clash after injuring a shoulder in a heavy contest knock.
