Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning was stretchered from the field on Saturday night after an awkward landing from a high-flying mark, as well as an attempt to jog off the field, led to distressing scenes.
De Koning hit the Marvel Stadium turf hard after taking a spectacular, high-flying intercept mark at half-forward.
The young Blues utility landed on his head then, due to the momentum of his body, his knees flung into his cheek.
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“It’s a sickening hit,” dual premiership Kangaroo David King told Fox Footy.
“They’re crazy brave, some of these players.”
The Blues’ medical staff then kept De Koning relaxed on the turf as a stretcher was brought onto the field before he sat up unassisted.
