Melbourne has been issued with a reprimand for their mishandling of AFLW forward Eden Zanker, who was concussed during last week’s qualifying final loss to Brisbane.
Zanker received a heavy bump in the first quarter and was helped from the field by trainers to undergo a head injury assessment (HIA), but later returned during the second quarter after passing a SCAT6 test.
She was eventually pulled back off the ground just before half-time when her concussion was confirmed, despite the test result.
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After an investigation into the incident, the AFL released its findings on Saturday — hours before the Demons’ cut-throat semi-final against Adelaide.
“The AFL has completed its inquiries in relation to the concussion management of Melbourne AFLW player Eden Zanker during the qualifying final against the Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park,” an AFL spokesperson said.
“The AFL has issued a reprimand to Melbourne in relation to a breach of the concussion protocols and will provide further training to the Melbourne doctors in advance of tomorrow’s match.
“Zanker is currently in concussion protocols and will not play in Melbourne’s AFLW semi-final against Adelaide.
“The AFL will consider learnings from this process and breach in the upcoming annual review of the AFL and AFLW concussionguidelines.
“The health and safety of our players is of paramount importance, and it is vital that there is strict adherence to the concussion guidelines to ensure that a player that suffers a head knock is appropriately managed.”
Confusion reigned at the time, with Channel 7’s commentary team unsure if Zanker would be available the following week, given she had technically passed the SCAT6 test.
“She actually passed the SCAT6 test, so she was cleared, but out of extra caution, the Dees have decided to bench her for the rest of the game,” said boundary-rider Nat Edwards.
But that decision then prompted some immediate questions.
“That’s a grey area, because is she out with concussion? If she’s passed the test, she’s not out with concussion, and could play next week. That’s very confusing,” Kate McCarthy said.
Edwards said the club later said they were also “unsure” if Zanker would be allowed to play next week.
