Two St Kilda players were left bloodied following a horrific head collide late in the team’s victory over Carlton, causing “carnage” at Marvel Stadium.
Late in the game, with a 15-point lead, Hunter Clark and Dan Butler collided as they attempted to lay a tackle.
Clark, who was obviously suffering from at least a broken nose, was placed in a neck brace and taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
“The neck brace is on and we’re thinking of him,” analyst Hamish McLachlan stated.
Daisy Pearce continued, “This guy has just had no luck.”
Nonetheless, the fact that the pair sang the team anthem is encouraging for both players.
“You thought, ‘it’s happened again,’ as he was taken off as he copped the brunt of that force right to his face,” stated Jon Ralph of Fox Footy.
He featured in the tune. It appeared as though his nose was smeared to one side of his face.
“It appears like a lot worse things could have happened.”
Only a year has passed since Crow David Mackay’s incident that resulted in Clark’s horrifically fractured jaw.
In the collision, Clark broke three bones in his jaw, damaged his nerves, broke his teeth, and lost eight weeks of football.
Butler used towels to stop the gushing from his forehead, but the game ended with strapping on his face.
“(Ruckman Rowan) Marshall is currently down in the chambers with the other Doc. Commentator Matthew Richardson stated from the sidelines, “Butler is sitting here on his own right now.
“At this time, not even a doctor is there to examine him. It’s all bloodshed.
“There are two doctors, and it’s clear that they are both busy right now.”
Fortunately, Butler was able to receive evaluation and Clark was promptly transported from the field in a medical taxi.
Hunter would be going to the hospital for more treatment following the game, according to coach Brett Ratten.
Hunter suffered a nasal break, more specifically a complex fracture. In his press conference, he stated, “It’s pretty ugly.”
“His past is not good. He’s been cleaned up after placing his head in some awkward places.
It is uncommon for such to occur (in the game)… But he’s tough and brave.
“First and foremost, he was attempting to act in the best interest of the team.
“He needs to figure out what’s next for him and get some X-rays and other tests done.
“Maybe the nose needs to be remodelled or something else because it’s not in very good condition.”
After standout defender Dougal Howard was substituted just moments into the third quarter, the Saints were left with just one healthy player on the bench for a short while while Marshall cleared his concussion test.
“When you enter, Dougal Howard is there. After the game, Nick Riewoldt of Fox Footy lauded Marshall and Hunter Clark, saying, “It’s a real gutsy performance, especially since Butler’s got his head bandaged.”
Speaking after the game, Saint Jack Sinclair was gushing over Clark’s courage.
He said to Fox Footy, “He wasn’t looking too well, Huntsy.”
He receives some severe blows for consistently putting his head over the ball.
How can you help? It’s football. We’re hoping he’s feeling well and will return soon.
