‘Distressing’: AFL photo of Swans star is simply shattering

The football world is hurting for the entire family of a Swans star after a “gut-wrenching” moment that was as cruel as sport can be.

Paddy McCartin was shattered. Photo: Fox Footy.

Swans star Paddy McCartin was subbed out of Sydney’s victory over Hawthorn after failing a concussion test.

The former No. 1 draft pick has only recently returned to play professional football as a result of extensive concussion issues ruining his career.

He is suspected to have suffered the ninth concussion of his career on Monday.

Midway through the third term in Tasmania on Monday, McCartin copped an errant knee to the back of the head from Hawks star Chad Wingard, which left him on the ground briefly before he was told to head into the rooms for a concussion test.

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The Swans confirmed McCartin was subbed out after failing the HIA test.

It is a devastating development after he had fought so hard to return to football.

The heartbreaking moment he was given the news was broadcast live on TV through a locker room camera and was difficult to watch for the Fox Footy commentary team.

Shattering.

He was seen leaning against a wall and burying his head after first being consoled by a Swans staffer.

McCartin didn’t play any football in 2019 after another pre-season concussion, then came to a mutual agreement with St Kilda to be delisted at the end of that year.

In between, he consulted doctors in Melbourne and even flew to Chicago to attend a medical facility that specialises in neurological rehabilitation, including concussion management.

McCartin also sat out the 2020 season to get his health back on track.

After being overlooked by AFL clubs for 2021, McCartin signed with Sydney’s VFL team and moved into a new position playing in the defensive line.

He was promoted to Sydney’s AFL roster in January through the pre-season draft.

His return to AFL football in the Swans’ season opener against GWS came after a break of 1351 days in between games.

It’s why the footy world was so shattered to see him looking like a broken man

“You just don’t know what that means long term for Paddy,” David King said on Fox Footy.

Paddy McCartin was devastated.

Paddy McCartin after being subbed out.

“He’s just found a home at centre half back for the Sydney Swans playing some terrific football.

“It has a way of ripping your heart out this game.”

“Let’s hope it’s really precautionary to sit this one out,” Dermott Brereton said.

“The disappointment is the fact he has to sit it out – that would be best case scenario. Fingers crossed for Paddy.

“He cant take any chances and he‘s just thoroughly disappointed not to be out there – that’s what I’m wishing for.”

Gutwrenching for Paddy McCartin who has been subbed out after three heavy collisions. Let’s hope it’s only precautionary after so many concussions. But a shattered player in the rooms after coming back from so far @FOXFOOTYpic.twitter.com/1gzNHWocLL

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) April 25, 2022

Former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna told Triple M: “I’m feeling for him because he’s probably got a million things going on through his head.

“Our thoughts are with Paddy McCartin and the family because that’s the most important thing.”

AAP sport reporter Alex Mitchell called it “legitimately heartbreaking pictures” when posting on Twitter.

ESPN sports reporter Matt Walsh wrote: “Terribly, terribly sad images of Paddy McCartin in the Swans rooms. Hope he’s feeling okay and hop the club and teammates get around him”.

The Herald Sun’s Al Paton posted on Twitter it was “distressing to watch”.

The Swans made an extraordinary comeback in the fourth quarter to win by 16.13 (109) to 10.8 (68).

The Swans kicked the last nine goals of the game. The Hawks had kicked the first five goals of the contest and led by nine points heading into the fourth quarter.

Originally published as ‘Distressing’: AFL photo of Swans star is simply shattering