AFL round 12: Kade Simpson cops ‘savage falcon’ during Fremantle Dockers clash

The commentators were in hysterics after Kade Simpson copped a brutal falcon during Saturday’s clash against the Fremantle Dockers.

The commentators were in hysterics after Kade Simpson copped a brutal falcon during Saturday’s clash against the Fremantle Dockers.

Carlton veteran Kade Simpson left the commentators in stitches after he was struck by a “savage falcon” during Saturday evening’s match against the Fremantle Dockers in Perth.

In rainy conditions, the Dockers were leading by 12 points when the incident occurred during the second quarter. After a loose ball skidded across the turf, Carlton utility Ed Curnow opted to boot the Sherrin rather than picking it up.

However, Curnow’s powerful kick struck Simpson directly in the face, and the 36-year-old immediately fell to the ground.

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“That is a savage falcon!” Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw cried.

“You can’t get flushed any better.”

Thankfully, Simpson returned to his feet, and claimed a mark less than 30 seconds later, albeit with a swelling red forehead.

“That’s a heavy ball, too. He is going to have ‘Sherrin’ written right across his face,” Western Bulldogs great Luke Darcy replied.

“That could not have hit him any harder.

“Kade Simpson is going to have a pretty sore head. This may be the best falcon I have seen in AFL football.

“The fact he got up soon after is a miracle.”

The commentators were in hysterics as replays were displayed on the Optus Stadium’s big screen in front of 24,114 spectators.

Kade Simpson has played 334 games for Carlton since his AFL debut in 2003.

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“Outstanding … he has done well to get up, hasn’t he,” Richmond legend Matthew Richardson muttered through the giggles.

“How is he standing? Very funny when it is not you, but he is a brave unit.

“Look, look how red he is!

“I don’t know how he got up. How is he still walking, Kade Simpson?

“That flushed him, but he got up and he actually took a mark about 30 seconds later. You shouldn’t laugh but it is funny a falcon, isn’t it?”

Not everybody found the incident as amusing — ABC sports reporter David Mark tweeted: “Simpson gets smashed in the head by a kicked footy at close range, collapses. These incidents can cause whiplash or concussion and the commentators laugh.”

Meanwhile, former Sydney Swans star Jude Bolton posted: “2020 has been a bit like that wet sodden footy that just got soccered straight into Kade Simpson’s head!”

Carlton went on to win the low-scoring encounter 5.10 (40) to 5.6 (36) in controversial circumstances. Simpson ended the match with eight disposals, seven kicks and three marks.

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