The AFL has ruled out the introduction of independent doctors during games following Geelong star Jeremy Cameron's controversial concussion.
In Friday night's game at GMHBA Stadium against Port Adelaide, Cameron is seen flying with nine minutes to go in the match, before landing heavily and the ground and subsequently knocking his head.
With the game well and truly in the balance, the former Giant didn't leave the field to get assessed but was checked on the ground by club doctors as play continued.
The Geelong staff were satisfied with Cameron's responses and ultimately played out the game, yet has since been ruled out of Round 10 after entering the AFL's concussion protocols.
"I think this will fast-track decisions around independent doctors at games."@cleary_mitch reports on Jeremy Cameron, who entered concussion protocols today having initially passed a concussion test after this contest last night. pic.twitter.com/pxEMH1SEBf
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2024
As is the process post-match, the left-footer was monitored and assessed on Saturday and was reported to have some concussive symptoms.
Calls for the AFL to bring in impartial doctors to avoid any potential conflict have been vetoed by league CEO Andrew Dillon, who said the Cats staff ticked all the boxes.
"The Geelong doctor, who's really experienced and really good at what he does, he was able to be out there, conduct the assessment that he had to do, and it was all in accordance with the protocol," Dillon told reporters on Monday.
"So what I'm comfortable with is that the protocols were followed and they continue to be followed.
"We have got doctors at the clubs and I don't think they need to be independent because (they) have got the best interest of the players (in mind).
"That's what they're employed to do and that's what they do."
In a recent change to the concussion protocols, all amateur and junior leagues are forced to sit out for a minimum of 21 days from training and playing following a concussion but the AFL remains at 12 days, a period Dillon is "comfortable" with.
"I think it's a valid question. Had that been the nine minute mark of the first quarter and not nine minutes to go in the last, there may have been a different approach."
The panel discusses the Jeremy Cameron incident. #9AFLSFS | Nine & 9Now ๐ฅ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/zzotJWj3RW
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 12, 2024
"What we do have is some of the most stringent and well-thought-out concussion protocols in not only sport in Australia, but in world sport," Dillon said.
"I'm really comfortable with the protocols that we've got.
"We've also got really experienced medical health professionals at the clubs, and also at AFL House, looking after the health and safety of the players.
"We will continue to refine those protocols but I'm comfortable with how it was handled on the weekend and comfortable with the protocols."
The Cats fell to the Power by a measly six points, their second consecutive loss to the season.
Coach Chris Scott was planning on resting equal games record-holder Tom Hawkins but may look to rethink that decision given Cameron's absence.
"We won't (play Hawkins in Darwin). That's been our plan," Scott said post-game.
"Likely we'll tell you the week we're doing these things, but we'll give you no more notice than that."
Hawkins - who hasn't been in the best form - was expected to be rested for Thursday's game in Darwin against the Suns with a fairytale on offer to go past best mate Joel Selwood for the club's games record holder in front of Geelong fans at Kardinia Park in Round 11.
