AFL clarifies mid-match phone use by former No. 1 pick

AFL players are generally banned from using their phones during matches, but Paddy McCartin had a valid reason, the league confirmed.

Paddy McCartin can be seen using his phone in the second quarter of Friday night's game against Geelong.

The AFL has granted Sydney Swans defender Paddy McCartin special permission to use a mobile phone during games in order for him to monitor his blood sugar levels.

McCartin was seen using a phone at a break in play during Friday night’s match between Sydney and Geelong - something usually strictly prohibited by the league with the exception of 10 authorised users and media staff.

The AFL confirmed to the Herald Sun that McCartin had received an exemption in order to use an application that communicates with a sensor patch he wears to monitor his blood sugar levels more than 10 times each day.

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“The AFL confirms Sydney Swans player Paddy McCartin is permitted to use a mobile phone diabetes app during matches for medical purposes only as it is required to monitor his blood sugar levels,” a spokesperson said.

Last year, Collingwood was fined $20,000 after Jordan De Goey retrieved his and teammate Jeremy Howe’s phone during a match in order to provide updates on their injuries to family members and club staff.

McCartin is in the midst of an incredible AFL comeback, reinventing himself as a defender after the former number one draft pick was delisted by St Kilda after eight concussions left his career at the crossroads.

Paddy McCartin can be seen using a phone in the second quarter of Friday night's game against Geelong.

Playing in the Swans’ backline alongside brother Tom, McCartin had a game-high five intercept marks in the first quarter of Friday night’s win over Geelong.

The 25-year-old is set to play his first AFL match in Melbourne in four years when the Swans take on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

Originally published as AFL clarifies mid-match phone use by former No. 1 pick