The AAMI AFL Origin clash between Victoria and Western Australia on , delivered a concerning blow early in the contest with star Carlton defender Jacob Weitering stretchered from the field. While the initial fear of a concussion has been allayed, the Victorian team confirmed he was transported to hospital for further evaluation of rib and shoulder concerns.
The incident occurred during a marking contest involving West Australian Mitch Georgiades and fellow back Sam Collins. Weitering bore the brunt of the collision, specifically taking impact from the 192cm frame of Georgiades. He was immediately attended to and removed from the ground wearing a neck brace, a precautionary measure given the nature of the impact.
Victorian chairman of selectors Garry Lyon provided an update at halftime, stating that Weitering was asking about the score, suggesting his condition, while serious enough to warrant hospital assessment, wasn’t immediately catastrophic. “The big clash with Jacob Weitering, who we hope is going to be OK, he’s off to the hospital,” Lyon told Fox Footy. “He’s been asking about the score, so I think it is precautionary. But it puts to rest the notion that these boys weren’t going to go flat out.”
Lyon’s comments directly addressed pre-match concerns regarding the intensity of the Origin contest. There had been speculation that players might prioritize avoiding injury given the proximity of the match to the start of the regular AFL season. The severity of Weitering’s injury, and his continued engagement with the game even while being attended to, served as a clear indication that the players were competing with genuine commitment.
The incident also prompted discussion about the physical nature of the AFL Origin format. Introduced to recapture some of the fierce rivalry and intensity of past state-of-origin matches, the concept has faced scrutiny regarding player safety. The commitment to a high-intensity contest, as evidenced by the collision involving Weitering, raises questions about the balance between entertainment value and player wellbeing.
Prior to the injury, concerns had been voiced by Victorian legend Tim Watson about the potential for a lackluster performance if players weren’t fully invested in the contest. Watson expressed his apprehension on SEN Breakfast, stating, “I’ve got one question mark against this. If I turn my TV set on on the weekend and it looks like an exhibition game, then I don’t think What we have is going to fly at all. It has to look like a real game of football, where players are playing like they would if they were playing a week in, week out home and away game.”
Lyon, appointed Chair of Selectors for the Victorian team, had relayed coach Chris Scott’s message to the players: a lack of commitment would not be tolerated. “We had our first zoom with all of our players, and the first thing Chris Scott said was addressing that notion,” Lyon revealed. “’If you think this is a kick and catch and a muck around, then don’t play.’ When you’re hearing that from Chris Scott, and you’ve got Sam Mitchell backing him up… I don’t have an issue with that at all.”
The injury to Weitering underscores the inherent risks of Australian Rules Football, even in a representative context. The speed and physicality of the game, combined with the aerial contests for the ball, inevitably lead to collisions. While the AFL has implemented numerous measures to protect players, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the potential for serious injury.
The match itself, beyond the concerning injury, was shaping up to be a fiercely contested affair. The commitment from both teams, as highlighted by Lyon, suggested that the players were taking the Origin concept seriously. The early stages of the game were characterized by strong tackling, contested possessions, and a willingness to put the body on the line.
The incident also draws attention to the broader conversation surrounding head injuries in the AFL. While the AFL confirmed that Weitering did not currently exhibit concussion symptoms, the focus on head injuries has intensified in recent years, leading to stricter protocols and increased scrutiny of medical assessments. A separate incident involving Carlton’s Jacob Weitering in 2023, following a match against Melbourne, saw questions raised about whether he should have undergone a head injury assessment, with the club attributing his symptoms to a knock to the throat.
As of halftime, the full extent of Weitering’s injuries remained unknown. He will undergo further assessment at the hospital, and the club is expected to provide an update in due course. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the physical demands of the game and the importance of prioritizing player safety. The commitment displayed by both teams, however, suggests that the AFL Origin concept, despite the risks, is being embraced by the players and is delivering the intensity that fans and officials were hoping for.
