‘Serious concerns’ as AFLW match stopped after sickening head clash

A horrific incident brought Friday night’s AFLW contest to a standstill, with play ultimately stopped for more than five minutes.

Suns rookie Elise Barwick has been taken from the field after a sickening collision.

A sickening head clash has rocked Friday night’s AFLW contest between the Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants, with play stopped for more than five minutes.

Sun Elise Barwick had been charging towards to footy on the wing inside the opening minute when Giant Jessica Doyle came from the other direction.

The duo then collided in a nasty head clash that left Barwick lying motionless on the Heritage Bank Stadium turf in shock scenes.

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“It was a full-on collision,” Fox Footy’s Tom Rockliff said from the sideline.

“Head on head; she’s hardly moved unfortunately.

“She’s been able to respond to the trainers at the moment. Serious concerns down here at ground level.

“It was a very, very tough contest.

“You could hear the thud from 15-20 metres away!”

Serious concerns for Elise Barwick after a sickening collision against the Giants.

📺 Watch #AFLWSunsGiants LIVE on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/8GE6Fg1MTXpic.twitter.com/zffxtDN7cS

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) October 27, 2023

Great to hear. Wishing Elise all the best ❤️ https://t.co/hWBxiG73zb

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 27, 2023

Fox Footy commentator Ben Waterworth described it as a “huge collision” as play was stopped to allow medical staff to safely get to Barwick’s aid.

“Doyle came in nice and low as you want your players to do in those occasions,” commentator Dan Harford added.

“(Barwick) copped one across the chops and does look a very, very sorry story.”

It was a tough way for Barwick’s night to end in just her fourth AFLW game.

The Tassie product only signed with the Suns as an injury replacement in August but quickly impressed to make her debut earlier this month.

Barwick was taken from the field on the stretcher, with GWS skipper Alicia Eva seen going over to check on the injured Sun.

The Suns later confirmed Barwick was up and walking around the rooms in great signs for the 24-year-old, who will take no further part in Friday’s contest.

Barwick wasn’t the only injury concern in Gold Coast’s 31-point win over GWS, with star mid Charlie Rowbottom leaving the match early.

Rowbottom’s ankle appeared to get caught in an awkward tackle in the final term - she headed straight for the bench and played no further part in the contest.

Originally published as ‘Serious concerns’ as AFLW match stopped after sickening head clash