Growing ‘concern' around AFL players' boots in wake of gruesome injury to Jack Darling
Darling suffered a cut to his shin when he tangled with Carlton's Jack Silvagni during the first quarter of Saturday's win over Carlton.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AFL memo regarding metal studs on boots.
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The veteran was in immediate discomfort by the large wound, which raised immediate concerns around infection.
But he heroically managed to play out the match, kicking a goal and laying a brilliant run-down tackle to help his side get over the line.
He was taken to hospital after the match where he had the wound stitched up and remarkably, might not even miss this weekend's clash against Hawthorn.
The injury came just months after the AFL sent out a reminder to all clubs about metal stops, as revealed on The Agenda Setters.
Clubs are liable to a $40,000 sanction should a player be caught in metal stops.
'This is a timely reminder regarding the type of football boots which may be worn in AFL matches, specifically the prohibition of metal stops, which pose a serious risk of injury to players,' the memo said.
'To prioritise player safety, the AFL strictly enforces regulations that prohibit the use of metal stops or studs on football boots.
'As such, it is the responsibility of all AFL clubs and players to ensure that boots worn during matches fully comply with these rules.
'Under AFL regulations 4.8, clubs may be sanctioned up to $40,000 breach.'
Silvagni has been cleared of any wrongdoing with his boots given the tick of approval, but it's not just metal studs that can cause damage.
Melbourne veteran Jake Melksham suffered a similar injury, caused by his own boot, in the Round 6 win over Fremantle.
Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas speculated that the new plastic blade-style boot can actually cause more damage.
'The plastic, blade style, they become more sharp than the metal ... it's a longer blade along the boot, rather than just a stud, it's almost making it worse,' he said.
Caroline Wilson also reported coaches around the league are saying the injuries keep happening.
'According to many coaches and footy bosses I've spoken to today, these boots often the stops are really sharp and dangerous. The coaches say this is happening more and more, horrible injuries from boots,' she said.
'I spoke to Todd Viney, North Melbourne's footy manager ... when that memo arrived, he said to all his players, 'can we just check your boots and if we get fined, you'll be paying the fine.'
'The coaches are saying it just keeps happening. We can't pinpoint what incident that prompted Nick Carah (Laura Kane's old No.2) to send that memo and why he felt the need to reiterate this but it's obviously a concern for the game.'
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