Brisbane Lions marksman Hugh McCluggage was knocked unconscious in a fearsome tackle by James Sicily in the loss to Hawthorn
Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage suffered a horrific concussion in the Lions’ surprise loss to Hawthorn on Saturday.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the top-flight midfielder fell unconscious after a tackle from Hawthorn captain James Sicily.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hugh McCluggage was knocked out in a heavy tackle.
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McCluggage was unable to move for nearly a minute before, with the help of trainers, he slowly staggered off the field.
Sicily, who has just returned from suspension, is sure to face match review officer issues as the AFL crack down on dangerous tackles this year.
The McCluggage shot capped a dirty day for the Lions, who lost to the Hawks by 25 points in the MCG.
Making their first appearance on the home turf of this season’s grand finals, the Lions never looked comfortable against the Hawks, who have won three of their last four games.
Trailing 17 at halftime, Hawthorn opened the game six goals to two in the third quarter when midfielder Jai Newcombe turned the momentum in the Hawks’ favour.
The Lions opened the scoring 30 seconds into the final period through Linc McCarthy, but Hawthorn prevailed again when Dylan Moore’s late goal out of the bag produced a 15.8 (98) to 11.7 (73) surprise secured their fourth consecutive win against Brisbane.
The result raises serious questions about whether the fourth-placed Lions can end their 20-year Premier League losing streak.
Brisbane have won just once in their last 14 games at MCG, with their only win on the spot coming in exceptional fashion when they beat Melbourne in last year’s semi-finals.
The Lions are unbeaten at their Fort Gabba this year, including victories over Collingwood and Melbourne, but have lost their last two games and are down 8-4, further behind the Magpies and Port Adelaide in the top two .
Hawthorn’s key strikers were outstanding, with Mitch Lewis (four goals) and Jacob Koschitzke (three) wreaking havoc on the Brisbane defence.
Eric Hipwood was the Lions’ most dangerous forward, scoring four goals in a super period late in the second quarter and early in the third quarter.
Brisbane will return on Friday night when they host Sydney at the Gabba, while Hawthorn is given a bye before traveling to the Gold Coast in Round 15.
