‘No test?’: AFL world unloads on Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko high shots

Two of the Brisbane Lions’ biggest names suffered head injuries on Friday, but what happened next surprised those watching on.

Brisbane Lions stars Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko both suffered early head knocks in Friday night’s five-point loss to the Crows in Adelaide.

The wasteful premiers led from late in the first quarter until midway through the last before the Crows stormed home for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) victory to solidy their top-four standing.

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In a brutal first quarter, James Peatling was swiftly reported for a sling tackle on two-time Brownlow medallist Neale, while Zorko slammed his head into the turf after a fair collision with Alex Neal-Bullen.

Both premiership players appeared shaken up after the heavy contact on a wet night in Adelaide, but neither seemed to go for Head Injury Assessments, much to the surprise of those watching on.

Watch Lachie Neale’s heavy contact in the video player above

Lachie Neale holds his head after the tackle from James Peatling. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

It is standard practice for players to undergo assessments on the sideline for any head-high shots, yet Neale and Zorko played on after doing their best to shake off the heavy contact and clear their own heads.

“No way to protect himself there Lachie Neale,” Anthony Hudson said on Fox Footy after Neale was tackles.

Garry Lyon added: “Dangerous tackle being paid here against Peatling, who has the job on Lachie Neale.

“Do they take (Neale) off and look at it or not? Probably doctors would be looking at that now.”

Just minutes later, two-time All Australian Zorko became airborne after contact from Neal-Bullen and the back of his head met heavily with the pitch.

“He looks a bit sore Zorko, that was a great effort by Neal-Bullen coming from the left of screen,” Crows great Mark Ricciuto said.

“Zorko hit his head as well but unfortunately just bad luck in the contest that one.”

Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph then gave his take on the Peatling tackle at the long break.

“I think he’s in trouble, he was reported by the umpire for that dumping tackle on Neale,” he said.

“I think the extreme dumping motion there, as his head hits the ground, means he’s likely to miss one week.

Screenshot of Zorko slamming his head into the turf. Photo: Fox Sports

The veteran needed a moment after the heavy impact. Photo: Fox Sports

“It’s excessive force, there’s more than one action in a vulnerable position. They’re the things (Match Review Officer) Michael Christian looks for.”

Nathan Buckley and Jordan Lewis both agreed Peatling was in trouble.

But the fact neither player appeared to get any treatment from club officials was curious to those watching on.

Sports writer Ronny Lerner wrote: “Surprising that Neale or Zorko haven’t left the field yet for HIAs. They clearly clutched their heads after they hit the ground hard.”

One fan replied: “Agreed they either need a HIA or they’re playing it up.”

Another fan asked: “Neale gonna get that checked out we reckon?”

A fourth joked: “Adelaide’s game plan … give concussions.”

A fifth stated: “Wait, what … no concussion test for Neale? Just got his temporal lobe smashed into the ground enough that an infield report was made.”

Another tweeted: “So if Neale hit his head then why isn’t he getting checked over?? Double standards for stars?”

Many also felt 24-year-old Peatling, who started his career with GWS before moving to Adelaide, could prepare for some time on the sideline.

Jordan Dawson soars for a mark in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Before the captain’s goal put the Crows in front. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“That’s a suspension. 2 actions, cya later. Neale better do a HIA too,” was one comment on X.

“Reported for rough conduct. Yeah. Fair enough. That’s a bad tackle,” said another.

“RDO for James Peatling coming up,” wrote another.

“That’s going to be a little holiday for Peatling,” was another comment.

In a low scoring contest, the Lions kicked the only two goals of the first quarter before Adelaide fought back, with the visitors holding an eight-point lead at halftime.

Brisbane stretched its lead to 17 points entering the final quarter, but the home side produced some superb football against a profligate Lions side to grab another hugely encouraging win.

Originally published as ‘No test?’: AFL world unloads on Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko high shots