Star Brisbane Lions defender Harris Andrews has been diagnosed with bleeding on the brain after a horrific on-field hit that’s sent the AFL community into uproar.
Andrews was completely ironed out by Greater Western Sydney forward Jeremy Cameron at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon during the first quarter of the Lions’ clash against the Giants.
Running with the flight of the ball, Andrews was collected by Cameron who charged past the drop of the ball with a raised elbow, in a horrific, ugly hit, the likes of which has not been seen on an AFL field since Tony Lockett virtually caved in Peter Caven‘s face in 1994.
Lions defender Harris Andrews has been taken off on a stretcher after this collision with Jeremy Cameron. #AFLLionsGiants pic.twitter.com/ubWZgH8qzR
— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2018
Andrews was initially stretchered off the field and received stitches in his lower jaw, watching the remainder of the game from the interchange bench.
However, Lions officials today report that Andrews’ condition worsened later that evening. After feeling unwell, Andrews reported his condition to club doctors, who instructed him to go to hospital immediately.
Further scans and tests revealed Andrews had suffered a “small” bleed on the brain as a result of the hit and the severe concussion suffered, and he was kept in hospital overnight for observation before being discharged on Sunday afternoon.
Cameron’s case is expected to be referred directly to the AFL Tribunal, meaning he faces a lengthy suspension – speculation states it could be as much as 6 weeks – for the hit.
Lions officials have stated that Andrews will miss at least two weeks, with further tests scheduled for a fortnight’s time to determine how his recovery is tracking.
The AFL is reeling from a string of concussion-related injuries plaguing players, with Western Bulldog Liam Picken missing all of the season thus far while he recovers from the debilitating effects of post-concussion syndrome.
