Suns' Baron removed after head knock in AFLW win

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Gold Coast's Dekota Baron was forced from their AFLW win over Richmond after a head collision, despite initial medical clearance.

Gold Coast's Dekota Baron was floored by a collision with Richmond's Montana McKinnon in the first quarter of Saturday's AFLW match, her head striking McKinnon's hip. She was initially cleared by doctors to continue playing.

The AFL Review Centre then intervened and required Baron to undergo a head injury assessment. She returned to the game briefly in the second quarter, only for the ARC to step in again and rule that she must be removed for the remainder of the match. Baron was emotional on the bench after being forced out of the game.

Coach Rhyce Shaw said the circumstances were surprising and frustrating, given Baron's form this season as a Rising Star nominee. 'When you go down one of your key forwards, and especially a key player like that – and Baz has been in such good form – it is difficult and you have to shuffle,' Shaw said. He acknowledged that the ARC had seen something the team's assessment had missed, and that player welfare must take priority over team strategy.

How it is being reported

• 'Very hard': Suns coach surprised as player forced offGold Coast player Dekota Baron was forced out of Saturday's AFLW win over Richmond in unusual circumstances after her nasty head knock.Perth Now · 24 Oct, 18:06
• 'Very hard': Suns coach surprised as player forced offGold Coast player Dekota Baron was forced out of Saturday's AFLW win over Richmond in unusual circumstances after her nasty head knock.The West Australian · 24 Oct, 18:06

In this story: Dekota Baron · Gold Coast Suns · Richmond Tigers · Montana McKinnon · Rhyce Shaw

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