Callan Ward, Jordan Roughead cop head injuries in brutal preliminary final

VIDEO: GWS captain Callan Ward looked in serious trouble after an accidental knee to the face and big Bulldog Jordan Roughead is also down after a brutal five minutes.

Callan Ward is helped off the preliminary final. Picture. Phil Hillyard

GIANTS skipper Callan Ward copped an accidental knee to the face and big Bulldog Jordan Roughead is also in trouble after a brutal five minutes of the preliminary final.

Ward was sitting on the bench in a tracksuit just before halftime after his sickening blow.

The brave midfielder was kneed in the side of the head by Zaine Cordy in a marking contest as GWS and the Bulldogs went goal for goal in the second quarter.

Callan Ward is collected by Zaine Cordy.

Ward eventually got to his feet and walked off the ground with the aid of trainers, receiving a standing ovation from fans at Spotless Stadium.

The incident came just minutes after Bulldogs ruckman Jordan Roughead left the field after copping a footy in the face at close range from Rory Lobb. Roughead ran to the bench and appears to have an injured eye.

He was also on the bench in a tracksuit, leaving Tom Boyd to do the ruck duties.

Fletcher Roberts hits the deck.

Earlier, Fletcher Roberts was flattened by a late bump from Rhys Palmer that could come under match review panel scrutiny.

Roberts left the field under the blood rule but returned after several minutes on the bench.

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