Star Bomber Jye Caldwell will be available for next week's critical clash with St Kilda after passing his HIA in Friday night's thriller.
Caldwell was taken from the field following an incident with Crow Ben Keays, with a tackle that was deemed dangerous live by the field umpire.
Caldwell's head makes considerable contact with the ground, fortunately braced somewhat by his free left arm, but was immediately taken from the ground for a head injury assessment.
Late in the fourth quarter with the game on the line, the Bombers took their chance to get some fresh legs on the ground by subbing Caldwell out of the match before concluding the assessment, which would have permitted him to play out the final five minutes or so.
"He's fine," coach Brad Scott said post-match.
Jye Caldwell has been subbed out after this tackle #AFLDonsCrows pic.twitter.com/HLFWUpgHvz
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 19, 2024
"The rules are there for a reason and for a good reason, so he had to have a head injury assessment (HIA) which takes time."
"The fact that he passed that and was fine is sort of cold comfort because we just couldn't wait unfortunately."
"Obviously we didn't want to sub him off but we felt like we had no choice because just the stage of the game."
"We might've got him back for the last five minutes, perhaps, but we just made that call... subbed him off to get the fresh player in."
The incident will spark further debate over what constitutes a dangerous tackle and the general topic of concussion in our sport, especially with another notable incident involving Essendon's young star Nate Caddy.
The Bomber rookie collected Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson with an accidental shoulder-to-head clash late in the third quarter.
While clearly incidental, Caddy may find himself under MRO scrutiny, as he appears to brace for contact and turn his body to protect himself.
Brad Scott says he has no idea what the result of the incident will be, but a suspension for the youngster will spark a severe media storm in the coming days.
"Who knows? Who could tell you at the moment," Scott said when quizzed on whether Caddy could be in trouble.
On another sour note, mercurial forward Matt Guelfi could also be set to miss some time after potentially suffering a hamstring injury.
Also - a likely hamstring injury for Essendonโs Matt Guelfi https://t.co/sco2GLeb1n
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) July 19, 2024
It would leave the bombers undermanned for next week's pivotal Saints clash if Guelfi and Caddy are both forced to miss, while an update on Caldwell will need to be made before his selection status is confirmed.
Fortunately for the Bombers, midfielder Darcy Parish should be fit to go next week, with front man Peter Wright to likely be welcomes back also.