Rowville Secondary College’s Ashlee Cullis discharged from hospital, ruled out for Herald Sun Shield grand final

A shocking injury to a Rowville goalkicker forced a premature end to Herald Sun Shield semi-final. Her heartbreak continues despite her team winning through to the decider.

Junior female footballers will be taking part in the Herald Sun Shield. Tylah Mills (17). Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A young footballer who suffered a serious head knock which ended a nail biting semi-final three minutes early was discharged from hospital on Wednesday night after being taken in by ambulance.

Rowville Secondary College’s Ashlee Cullis remained on the ground for an extended period as medical staff took care of her while they waited on the ground for an ambulance.

As too much time had elapsed, the game ended with Rowville’s lead of three-points over Melbourne Girls Grammar becoming the final score for the match at 8.3 (51) to 6.12 (48).

Cullis was taken to hospital with concussion and discharged later that night, Rowville coach and former Essendon star Darren Bewick said.

“She was a little bit worse for wear, a bit of concussion, sore neck but she was discharged from hospital last night so that’s good news,” Bewick said.

“We can’t let her play, we adhere to the AFL 12-day concussion protocol so unfortunately she won’t be able to play next week.”

Cullis kicked two goals in the first half and played a key role in keeping her side in the game.

Bewick credited Cullis for the improvement she has made in her game from week to week.

“She is improving every time we see her train and play and it’s just unfortunate that these things happen with footy,” he said.

“We’ll try and find someone else to fill her shoes and hopefully they can kick a couple of goals as well.”

Bewick said Georgia Knight, who kicked six goals to help put her side through to the Herald Sun Shield semi final, might be able to make a comeback for the grand final.

“We’re hopeful that she might be able to get up and be back playing from an ankle injury,” he said.