River Murray Football League match called off early following dangerous tackle

A local game has been abandoned after a ‘dangerous tackle’ left one player stranded on the ground for more than 30 minutes waiting for an ambulance. See the video.

A River Murray Football League match was abandoned on Saturday after a “dangerous tackle” left a Mannum player stranded on the field for more than 30 minutes with a “serious injury”.

Mannum’s Mitchell Smith was tackled by Southern Mallee vice captain Billy McNeilly in the third quarter of their league clash at Lameroo Oval, leaving the young Roos player unresponsive for more than 20 minutes.

An ambulance took around half an hour to arrive at the ground, with trainers and officials providing umbrellas and blankets to shield Smith from the rain and keep him warm while waiting for assistance.

The tackle left a Mannum player unconscious. Picture: RMFL

Players and spectators watched on as the man was left unconscious and waiting for an ambulance. Picture: RMFL

Commentator Matt Hood was calling the game when the incident unfolded, with RMFL vision showing Smith gathering the ball before seemingly being slammed headfirst into the ground by McNeilly.

“That’s a dangerous tackle, that’s not a good tackle,” Hood said.

“I think he’s out to it at the moment.”

Despite the scary nature of the “serious injury”, Smith was said to be conscious and talking when the ambulance arrived and was in “jovial spirits”, according to Mannum officials.

Southern Mallee, who was leading Mannum by 42 points at the time of the incident, was awarded the win for the match despite it being called off early.