Frightening scenes as Fremantle star Darcy Tucker stretchered off

There were scary scenes in the AFL on Sunday when Fremantle midfielder Darcy Tucker was stretchered off the field after a nasty incident.

Darcy Tucker wasn’t in a good way. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fremantle’s Darcy Tucker was stretchered off the field in a “scary” incident during the Dockers’ convincing 55-point win over West Coast on Sunday.

Tucker’s teammates immediately called for medical staff after the midfielder went down early in the third quarter in an awkward tackle by Eagle Conor West.

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“Big concerns for the Fremantle player down,” Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich said on Fox Footy.

“Both players and the Fremantle medical staff out there quickly with concerns.”

Fox Footy commentator Adam Papalia said Tucker had a “nasty sort of landing”.

“Support staff immediately calling for the stretcher,” he said. “Medical staff will take every precaution they can.”

West Coast premiership player and boundary rider Will Schofield said it was an unusual looking tackle.

“Bit of an awkward one,” he said. “Landed on his head.

“Wasn’t a good sight. Hoping for the best for Darcy Tucker.”

There was concern for Darcy Tucker after an awkward tackle. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Commentator Mark Howard added: “It didn’t look like his head hit the turf, it was an unusual movement.”

Tucker was stretchered off Optus Stadium but he gave a thumbs up to the crowd in a promising sign. He was replaced by medical substitute Bailey Banfield.

The Dockers later said Tucker was doing well but suffered concussion, while stand-in coach Jaymie Graham said the 25-year-old should be OK despite the concerning incident.

“I’m not sure, it was scary,” Graham said after the match.

Tucker suffered concussed but by all reports should be OK. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“We were all concerned for his health but he’s down in the rooms and he’s quite bubbly.

“He said everything’s fine, so I think they’re going to have to investigate a bit further on that one.

“I’m not even sure if he hit his head, actually. We’re not sure, but all I can say is he’s healthy and that’s the main thing.”

Fremantle dominated the western derby, running away with a dominant 102 (15.12) to 47 (7.5) win.

The Dockers sit fifth on the AFL ladder after three rounds, while the injury and Covid-ravaged Eagles are one of three winless teams.