By Malcolm Conn
Port Adelaide’s come-from-behind victory at the SCG on Saturday night was overshadowed by another worrying concussion suffered by Swans key defender Paddy McCartin, which raised more questions about his playing future.
Port hung on for a two-point victory when a shot from Sydney’s Olli Florent failed to make the distance after the siren, just minutes after Port had snatched the lead from the Swans, who have not beaten the Power since 2016.
McCartin was subbed out of the game just minutes into the match with what was believed to be his tenth concussion, and his second in as many seasons since returning to football with the Swans.
Younger brother and fellow key defender Tom was also ruled out with concussion during the second quarter leaving the Swans seriously undermanned. Both are expected to miss next Friday night’s match against Richmond at the Adelaide Oval.
Swans coach John Longmire spoke to Paddy McCartin after the match, saying he was “okay.”
“We didn’t give him a test, we just removed him (from the ground).”
Longmire would not be drawn on McCartin’s future.
“It’s straight after the game,” Longmire said. “Let’s just take a deep breath.”
Swans football manager Charlie Gardiner told broadcasters during the match that McCartin was “alert and talking.”
“He’s obviously disappointed to be out of the game,” Gardiner said. “We’re very concerned about him, but he’s feeling OK and recovering well. We’ll take every precaution with him. It’s very early, but hopefully he recovers from it and gets back out there (in the coming weeks).”
The Swans’ Paddy McCartin receives attention from a trainer after suffering another concussion.Credit: Getty Images
Paddy McCartin was concussed during what seemed an innocuous scramble with Port Adelaide’s Todd Marshall as both players lay on the ground attempting to gather the ball on the Members’ wing.
The Swans defender grabbed the left side of his head after it made contact with the ground and lay rolling from side to side until helped up by trainers and supported from the ground. He was subbed out immediately and replaced by Robbie Fox.
The No.1 draft choice with St Kilda in 2014, Paddy McCartin suffered eight concussions during five years at the club with the last of those concussions in March 2019. He missed three years of football before joining the Swans.
Olli Florent had the chance to win the game for the Swans but failed to make the distance after the siren.Credit: Getty
Saturday night’s result leaves the Swans and Port Adelaide with two wins apiece from four matches.
In a high-pressure match of modest continuity it was no surprise that Port started to work their way back into the game as the Swans struggled to balance their defence.
The Swans were 25 points in front 13 minutes into the second term before Port kicked their first goal, but the visitors were in front before half-time, with four consecutive goals.
And nine minutes into the final term the Swans were 20 points in front but were run down late in the game, only to hit the front again and then lose the lead when Jeremy Finlayson kicked his third goal.
Former Swans defender Aliir Aliir was exceptional in defence for Port, frustrating Sydney’s attacks and keeping Lance Franklin goalless.
It was a telling contest because the Swans went inside their 50-metre arc 22 more times than Port but were unable to convert.
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