The Sydney Swans say Paddy McCartin is "feeling good", despite failing a concussion test during the club's 41-point win over Hawthorn in Launceston.
McCartin, who has had a history of suffering concussion during his AFL career, was subbed out in the third quarter of the 16.13 (109) to 10.8 (68) victory, having received a knee to the head.
He cut a despondent figure in the Swans' dressing room, with the club giving an update on his condition during the fourth quarter.
"Paddy is OK but we will take every precaution," the Swans tweeted.
Later, in the post-match media conference, Swans coach John Longmire said 26-year-old McCartin was showing positive signs.
"He's fine. He's feeling good. The docs were ultra-conservative with him," Longmire said.
McCartin will have to observe the AFL's concussion protocols, ruling him out of the Swans' round-seven match against Brisbane on Sunday.
The former number one draft pick was delisted by St Kilda at the end of the 2019 season after managing just 35 senior matches, largely because of a string of concussions.
He joined the Swans' senior list as a rookie ahead of this season.
The Swans ended the match against the Hawks one player down after forward Logan McDonald also failed a concussion test.
They finished with nine straight goals to record an inspiring comeback victory, despite some errant kicking in the Anzac Day encounter.
The Swans had conceded the first 32 points in the match.
After a wayward beginning, Lance Franklin (three goals) got his side ahead for the first time with about 10 minutes left on the clock.
Ben Ronke (three goals) and Oliver Florent were among those to jump on his coat-tails as Sydney ran out convincing winners.
Callum Mills was heavily involved for the Swans, topping the match possession count with 37 disposals to go with five tackles, three score assists and a goal.
As they did in their upset win against Geelong last round, the Hawks started on fire, slotting the first five goals before the Swans even got on the board.
The tension was noticeable on field for Sydney, with Dane Rampe unloading on teammate Chad Warner after a defensive lapse resulted in a Hawthorn major.
After the sluggish start, Sydney rebounded with the last three goals of the first term to reduce the margin to 14 points at the first break.
The second quarter was a scrappy affair, with Franklin at one stage sitting on an uncharacteristic 1.4 in front of goal.
Sydney came to life towards the end of the third quarter, going back-to-back to help reduce the Hawks' lead to 62-53 leading into the last quarter.
Jacob Koschitzke kicked three goals for Hawthorn, who is 3-3 after six rounds.
ABC/AAP
