Fears for Swans’ Paddy McCartin after terrifying head knock

The footy world is holding its collective breath for Paddy McCartin after the concussion-plagued star went limp at the SCG.

Sickening scenes. Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Paddy McCartin has been subbed off after a horrifying moment in Saturday night’s Round 4 clash against Port Adelaide after suffering an apparent concussion that visibly shook the big man.

McCartin has a long history of concussion, and has taken lengthy spells away from the game in an effort to rehabilitate himself to a point that he could return to the game.

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Being signed to Sydney’s VFL list in 2021 marked a watershed moment for the former No. 1 overall pick after a long road back from his concussion struggles, but the way that McCartin responded to a wrestle with Port’s Todd Marshall worried everyone who saw it.

The pair were contesting a loose ball on the wing and didn’t appear to cop a significant hit at all.

"He's been visibly shaken."

Paddy McCartin comes off with a head injury. 🤕

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McCartin stayed down after the ball up call, and was immediately groggy, struggling even as Swans trainers helped him off the ground.

Premiership Swan Jude Bolton said on Seven commentary that McCartin “doesn’t look good at the moment,” while former Geelong captain Cameron Ling said it “might be worse than (just a poke).”

McCartin was immediately groggy after the hit. Photo by Phil Hillyard

McCartin was immediately subbed out for Robbie Fox, the earliest a sub has been activated this season.

Swans General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner told media at quarter time that McCartin was “alert and talking”, and “feeling okay”.

“We’re all very concerned about it, but he’s feeling okay and recovering well,” Gardiner said.

“We’ll take every precaution with him.”

McCartin departed the bench before half-time, and news.com.au understands he has not been sent to hospital as yet.

ABC’s Kyle Pollard called it “as distressing as any injury I’ve seen on the footy field.

“Fingers crossed his recovery is quick,” he said.

“That vision of him on the bench with the trainer holding onto his arm was as gut-wrenching as the vision of him on the turf.”

Another Twitter user said it was “so upsetting to see Paddy McCartin like that.

“It’s made me feel unwell. I can only imagine how his family is doing right now,” she said.

Riddell District Football Netball League CEO Jordan Doyle said he was “sick in the stomach watching Paddy McCartin stumble off with another concussion.”

The night didn’t get any better for the Swans after the side fell to a 9.12 (66) to 9.10 (64) loss to Port after Ollie Florent’s kick for the win was punched off the goalline.

Originally published as Fears for Swans’ Paddy McCartin after terrifying head knock