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Fremantle Docker Bailey Banfield suffers concussion after head knock in clash with Richmond Tigers

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
A nasty head knock to Bailey Banfield has soured a promising first half of football for Fremantle against Richmond at Optus Stadium. 
Camera IconA nasty head knock to Bailey Banfield has soured a promising first half of football for Fremantle against Richmond at Optus Stadium.  Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

A nasty head knock to Bailey Banfield has soured a promising first half of football for Fremantle against Richmond at Optus Stadium.

The 23-year-old executed a brilliant run-down tackle on Tiger David Astbury just outside the Dockers’ attacking 50 but his head hid the turf heavily.

Play was halted for six minutes while Banfield was assessed and strapped to the stretcher before being taken from the field, his teammates coming over to check on the young Docker.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed Banfield had suffered a concussion. He was replaced by medical sub Connor Blakely.

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The Dockers resumed the game with 18 minutes to go in the second quarter and a 10-point lead, kicking 2.8.18 to Richmond’s 1.2.8.

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Despite dominating the first quarter and most of the second, the Fremantle faithful were getting restless as the home side failed to convert a wealth of opportunity.

Luckily for the Dockers, Richmond were just as inaccurate in front of goal (1.8) to see Fremantle (2.10) go into the main break with an eight-point lead.

Andrew Brayshaw (19 disposals), Adam Cerra (15) and Caleb Serong (13) have been busy for the Dockers early, while Travis Colyer and Matt Taberner, in his 100th game, have scored Fremantle’s only majors.

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