Home

AFL match stopped 26 seconds in after Hayden McLean knocked out cold

Harrison Reid7NEWS Sport
VideoPlayers retreated to their huddles and the crowd fell silent just 26 seconds after the game started.

Sydney big man Hayden McLean was stretchered off the ground just 26 seconds into his side’s clash with crosstown AFL rivals GWS on Friday night.

The forward/ruck clashed heads with Giants defender Jack Buckley as he flew for a mark inside the Swans’ forward 50 just moments after the first bounce.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Swans forward Hayden McLean knocked out cold.

Buckley’s teammate Sam Taylor came across and inadvertently collected McLean and Buckley in the flying pack as he spoiled the ball.

Both players came down heavily, but McLean was knocked out cold and the game stopped as he drew immediate concern.

Buckley also appeared to hold his head in pain but was able to get up and shake it off.

The Game AFL 2025

Trainers rushed out to McLean, who laid still on the ground for several moments before showing some small movements.

“Great concern at the moment,” Dwayne Russell said on Fox Sports. “He’s moving his arms at the moment.”

Replays weren’t initially shown, such was the concern for McLean, until he eventually became responsive.

Hayden McLean was knocked out immediately.
Camera IconHayden McLean was knocked out immediately. Credit: Fox Sports

“Both huddles out on the ground, expecting quite a delay,” Alastair Lynch said.

“Different personalities react to this in vastly different ways when you see a teammate go down.

“And where you are, which is 30 metres away from your teammate, there’s a bit of unknown at the moment. And you know that the best medical staff in the country are looking after him.

“So, there is a lot of concern, but all you’re thinking about is your teammate and how he is. It’s a tough one.”

Hayden McLean was knocked out 26 seconds into the game.
Camera IconHayden McLean was knocked out 26 seconds into the game. Credit: Fox Sports
Hayden McLean being stretchered off.
Camera IconHayden McLean being stretchered off. Credit: Fox Sports

Medical staff were in no rush to get off the ground with McLean, who was eventually able to sit up on the stretcher cart as it drove him off the ground.

McLean was subbed out of the game, replaced by Aaron Francis.

After a long and eerie hush fell over the ground, the Sydney crowd applauded McLean as he was coming off.

McLean received another round of applause when he returned to the Swans’ bench half way through the second quarter, having spent about 40 minutes in the changerooms with medical staff.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails