Reigning Whitley medallist Joel Bennett is being assessed for potential spinal damage following an incident late in the thrilling draw between Corio and Inverleigh at Shell Reserve this (Saturday) afternoon.
Play was delayed for several minutes before Bennett was stretchered from the field.
Dad Darren, who coaches the Devils with his son, has told K rock Football that Bennett was taken to hospital by ambulance.
“He was put in the emergency room (at the ground) after he came off, and (he) was laid on his side because they were worried about some spinal damage,” Darren said.
“He was given a green whistle.
“We’ll keep everyone updated as news comes in.”
Bennett senior says Joel was injured displaying his customary bravery.
“He put himself in the firing line and got a knee between the shoulder blades,” Darren said.
“I’m not sure exactly where, but he was wearing a GPS (monitor), and I couldn’t turn it off after the game.
“He was sitting under a high ball. It was in the pocket at the Purnell Road end, so it was hard to see from where I was.”
Bennett senior paid tribute to Corio trainer John Groot and Inverleigh doctor James Shanahan for the attention they provided to Joel.
“John does a power of work,” Bennett said. “He’s an amazing fella. He came back to the club when I went back just to help me out.
“I put full trust in him, and he’s been brilliant.
“And his help today, along with James, was super; he stayed with Joel until the end.
“I didn’t get a chance to thank him, but we’re really appreciative of what he did for him.”
A late rushed behind by the Devils was enough to snatch a 12.13 (85) to 13.7 (85) draw after they led by 14 points at halftime.
In one of the most thrilling rounds in recent memory, North Geelong and Bell Post Hill record one-point wins over Thomson and Anakie, respectively.
Belmont Lions maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 34-point victory over Winchelsea at Eastern Reserve, while Werribee Centrals handed Bannockburn a 60-point hiding at Victoria Park.
At West Oval, East Geelong held Geelong West to just one goal in recording a percentage-boosting 88-point win.
X: @krockfootball
