Carlton will be without key forward Harry McKay for their semi-final bout with Melbourne after the Blues star uffered a concussion in his side's six-point win over Sydney on Friday night.
The elimination final victory came at a cost as McKay was helped from the field following a marking contest late into the third term that saw the Carlton tall crash into Swans defender Tom McCartin.
McKay was left grimacing on the MCG turf and was slow to rise to his feet as Blues medical trainers surrounded the ailing forward. McKay would appear groggy as he was helped off the field.
Carlton were quick to make their tactical substitution, with Jesse Motlop injected into the game at the final break and McKay's night brought to an abrupt end.
Harry McKay was subbed out of the game after this clash.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/4Nflxcj3Eo
— AFL (@AFL) September 8, 2023
The head injury will place McKay in the AFL's mandatory concussion protocol for the coming 12 days, preventing the Coleman Medal winner from featuring in next week's semi-final against Melbourne.
That encounter is likely to take place on Friday night at the MCG, with the Blues looking to emulate their Round 22 efforts against Melbourne when they recorded a four-point victory.
"I haven't actually looked at it in detail yet, but he wasn't in a great way at the end of the game," Carlton coach Michael Voss said after the win.
"So yeah, concussion protocols, and that makes him unavailable for next week. We'll have to look at what their full line mix looks like."
The Demons themselves will be forced into some selection changes, with midfielder Angus Brayshaw ruled out with concussion while tall forward Jacob van Rooyen was handed a one-game suspension following Thursday's Qualifying Final.
The Blues will await the Match Review Officer's findings from their own opening final, with forward Jack Martin potentially having a case to answer for a high arm on Sydney's Nick Blakey.
