North Melbourne’s Hugh Greenwood knocked out cold against Essendon

A North Melbourne star was left fighting for oxygen on the turf after copping a truly nasty hit to the side of his head on Sunday.

Hugh Greenwood knocked out cold

North Melbourne were dealt a cruel blow in their narrow 105 (16.9) to 99 (15.9) loss to Essendon on Sunday.

After fighting back to only found themselves down by two points moments out from the main break, North were full of flight.

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But right before the halftime siren sounded, midfielder Hugh Greenwood was knocked out cold after copping a hit to the head in a marking contest.

Greenwood copped the brunt of an Essendon player’s hip to his head, leading him dazed and confused.

As the players made their way off the field Greenwood was in the hands of trainers hunched over on the turf dry-retching.

He eventually made his way to his feet before slowly making his way off the field.

During the break the club announced his day on the field had come to an end due to concussion.

Hugh Greenwood (concussion) has been ruled out of the rest of the match.#Kangaspic.twitter.com/e6dojmhMvt

— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) June 4, 2023

Greenwood joined fellow North star Jy Simpkin on the bench after he was subbed out in the opening quarter, also with concussion.

In a tough contest for the ball Simpkin came off second best with the brutal hit bringing his day to an early end.

Jy Simpkin has been subbed out following this contest late in the first quarter.

Tom Powell replaces him.#AFLDonsNorthpic.twitter.com/1hq76x3LUx

— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023

Essendon took control of the contest in the opening quarter and a half of the game as they held a 20-point lead behind six opening term goals.

North however refused to die and fought back in the second quarter with three goals to none before they continued with the momentum in the third quarter.

They opened proceedings in the second half with three unanswered goals to take their first lead of the day and hold an 17-point advantage.

In the blink of an eye the Bombers bounced back emphatically with three straight goals to pinch back the lead.

Zach Merrett starred for the Bombers, collecting 34 touches in another best on ground performance.