Lions say 'no malice' in Starcevich concussion incident
Brandon Starcevich's concussion will heighten debate around AFL players pushing opponents into marking contests, with the Brisbane premiership defender to miss their season opener.
Starcevich had to be helped from the field on Thursday night after his collision in the second term of the three-point loss to Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena.
Given the league's concussion protocols and the Lions hosting Geelong next Thursday night in the opening game of the season, there is no way Starcevich will be ready.
The Lions were dealt a big injury blow as Jordan Dawson spearheaded the Crows to victory.https://t.co/DTjpZLMyZU
— AFL (@AFL) February 27, 2025
Lions' assistant coach Stuart Dew defended Adelaide forward Dan Curtin, who pushed Starcevich into the marking contest.
It comes a few days after West Coast player Reuben Ginbey similarly pushed Richmond's No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor.
The collision that followed left Lalor with a broken jaw and concussion, but there was no AFL match review action taken against Ginbey.
"It was an unfortunate incident - he obviously got pushed into contact - not much you can do about it," Dew said of Starcevich's injury.
"I'm sure it will be looked at... I don't think there's any malice in it, they are just trying to contest the ball.
"Sometimes players are going to get it wrong."
Starcevich was the only casualty in an entertaining pre-season clash. Brisbane led for most of the game, only to blow a 22-point lead midway through the final term and succumb 14.13 (97) to 13.16 (94).
Adelaide kicked the last four goals of the game and then Lions' duo Jaspa Fletcher and Cam Rayner missed gettable set shots in the last few minutes.
The two teams would have gained what they wanted out of the match, with Brisbane key forward Eric Hipwood returning from injury and kicking two goals.
Can't wait to see what Levi Ashcroft does on the big stage 💪#AFLLionsCrows pic.twitter.com/e0yDscygm6
— AFL (@AFL) February 27, 2025
Levi Ashcroft, the younger brother of Norm Smith Medallist Will, firmed for a round-one debut with his game, which featured a goal in the final term.
The Crows badly need a strong start and the win caps their encouraging pre-season.
All Adelaide's key newcomers had solid hitouts - former GWS pair James Peatley and Isaac Cumming, new vice-captain and ex-Melbourne player Alex Neal-Bullen, and No.4 draft pick Sid Draper.
Coming on in the second half, Draper was prominent through the midfield and he also looks ready for a round-one AFL debut.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Arthur Smith addresses play-calling drama involving ex-Steelers QB Russell Wilson
Arthur Smith addresses play-calling drama involving ex-Steelers QB Russell Wilson Russell Wilson left the Steelers for the Giants this offseason — but it didn't stop Arthur Smith from setting the record straight regarding his former QB. Back in February, insider Gerry Dulac reported that Smith prevented Wilson from changing plays at the line of scrimmage like he did against the Cincinnati Bengals, leading to a clash of minds. NFL Network reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala claimed that these reports were a ploy by Wilson's camp — but the Steelers offensive coordinator didn't take these allegations lying down. At Day 2 of mandatory minicamp's media availability, Smith downplayed the rumors as a "fantastical narrative" that any plays were being called at the line of scrimmage — and ultimately blamed the 2024 offensive failures on being "not good enough." One of the biggest issues with the Steelers scheme, both offensive and defensive, is the inability to adapt when the plays are too predictable — and Smith's comments don't instill confidence that it'll change in 2025. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Historic College Football Program Lands Former National Championship Coach
Historic College Football Program Lands Former National Championship Coach originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tennessee Volunteers made an addition to their coaching staff Monday. CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported the Volunteers hired defensive assistant coach Marion Hobby. Advertisement An ex-Tennessee first-team All-SEC player, Hobby will serve as a defensive analyst for the Volunteers. "Hobby, a former All-SEC player at Tennessee, has coached in four NFL conference championship games (Saints, Jaguars, Bengals 2x) and a Super Bowl," Zenitz posted on X. "Hobby was also part of Clemson's 2016 national championship team." Hobby spent the past four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals as their defensive line coach. The longtime assist had been an NFL defensive line coach since 2017. From 2017-18, he coached the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line. Before joining the Bengals, Hobby coached for the Miami Dolphins from 2019-20. New Tennessee Volunteers defensive assistant Marion Hobby© Albert Cesare-Imagn Images Hobby played defensive end at Tennessee in the late 1980s. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him at No. 74 overall during the third round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Advertisement Hobby never appeared in a game for the Vikings, but he played 42 contests for the New England Patriots. The defensive end began his coaching career as a strength and conditioning coach for the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in 1995. Hobby was an assistant strength and conditioning coach with Tennessee's 1998 national championship team. He received his first opportunity to coach a defensive line unit with the Ole Miss Rebels in 1999. Hobby coached at Ole Miss for five years and then spent one season with the Clemson Tigers before jumping to the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. After two seasons with the Saints, Hobby returned to the college ranks with the Duke Blue Devils. He then became co-defensive coordinator at Clemson from 2011-16 before going back to the NFL. Advertisement Clearly, Hobby will bring decades of experience to the Tennessee defensive staff. "The Volunteers are hoping to get back to the College Football Playoff, and adding an experienced coach who knows what it takes to succeed in Knoxville is a huge move," wrote On3's Steve Samra. Related: Tennessee Football Gets Good News on Coveted Running Back This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Blue Jays Announce Ernie Clement News After Leaving Cardinals Game
Blue Jays Announce Ernie Clement News After Leaving Cardinals Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday with a 5-2 victory, keeping pace in the American League postseason picture. The win improved the Blue Jays to 38-30 on the season, as they have now won eight of their last 10 games. Advertisement Wednesday's offense was fueled by Ernie Clement, who went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the fifth inning that provided a crucial insurance run. His fourth homer of the season continued his dominance against left-handed pitching. Starter Eric Lauer held the Cardinals to two runs over 4.1 innings, backed by effective relief outings from Spencer Turnbull and Brendon Little to close out the win. Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (22)© Mike Watters-Imagn Images However, the celebration was tempered when Clement exited the game in the ninth inning. He was replaced defensively at third base by Addison Barger. Following the game, the Blue Jays announced via manager John Schneider that Clement is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury (via Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith). Advertisement Schneider downplayed the severity, telling reporters of Clement, "Being that he's a hockey fan, we're going to call it a lower-body injury." This season, Clement has been a versatile spark plug for the Blue Jays. He has provided key offensive and defensive performances for the Blue Jays in recent games, including a five-RBI game in a 12-0 win over the Athletics on May 29. His absence, even briefly, could impact the lineup's flexibility as the Blue Jays prepare to kick off a series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Related: Blue Jays Turn Heads With Announcement After Cardinals Game Related: Max Scherzer Announcement Made After Blue Jays' Move for Ex-Phillies Pitcher This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
