AFL world rages over Cats star Tom Stewart's 'sickening' incident
The AFL world was left seething after Geelong star Tom Stewart's 'sickening' hit on Dion Prestia, before the dramatic scenes after his concussion.
Stewart is facing a long suspension for a first-quarter incident in Saturday's AFL clash at the MCG when he collected Prestia with an elbow.
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The triple premiership midfielder was dazed and confused after being collected with Stewart reported for rough conduct on the spot.
But incredibly, despite Prestia forced out out of the game, Stewart remained on the field and played a role in Geelong's three-point victory.
The Tigers crowd booed Stewart every time he touched the ball after the elbow.
And dual-premiership winner David King said the elbow was a 'sickening incident'.
However, concern remained for Prestia with the game continuing while he appeared dazed and concussed.
Fox Sports commentator Garry Lyon questioned why the match wasn't stopped after the scary elbow.
“You reckon they might stop the game or not?” Lyon said.
“That’s extraordinary.
“All we care about right now is Dion Prestia, but they’re one down Richmond.”
The AFL world shared his sentiment with many condemning the elbow, but also for how play continued after the incident that left Prestia needing assistance.
Huge Tom Stewart fan but my god this is atrocious. It’s a real good example of why we need a send-off rule because that’s a straight red. #AFLCatsTigers https://t.co/byjhUnSjgS
— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) June 25, 2022
Firstly, I hope Dion Prestia is ok. This is an ugly hit. Secondly, suspend Tom Stewart for 3 weeks minimum. Just a cheap dog act, this.#AFLCatsTigers pic.twitter.com/tX0myG4TVZ
— Carlton News & Stats (@UptheBaggers) June 25, 2022
That Prestia hit happened about 15m from me. Haven’t seen a bloke look that lost for so long… probably thought Guy McKenna was still his coach. Stewart 4+ weeks. Only intention was to hit him. #AFLCatsTigers
— James Mottershead (@mottersjames) June 25, 2022
Yes, Stewart will get a lengthy suspension, but how can you be a professional code & not have a send off rule for violent conduct? Fact that Stewart is still running around after smashing Prestia into another postcode is a terrible look. Where’s the accountability? #AFLCatsTigers https://t.co/UekmRXoZm6
— Athas Zafiris (@ArtSapphire) June 25, 2022
Prestia basically knocked out and play continues around him that’s disgraceful #AFLCatsTigers
— Meg (@itsMegHarding) June 25, 2022
Was awful watching this..disgusted game was not stopped! Surely if Richmond were not prepared to bring out a cart somebody should have taken the decision! Duty of care OH&S ..bad very bad
— 🎀Annie#brazenhussey #devilinmyheart#ProudDrip (@AnnieMurphy6) June 25, 2022
@AFL very serious about head injuries when Prestia is barely conscious and the umpires don’t stop the game where every other sport in the World would #AFLCatsTigers
— Eddie Palermo (@e_palermo3) June 25, 2022
Geelong coach defends Tom Stewart
While admitting Stewart will cop a suspension for the terrible incident, coach Chris Scott said the star felt bad over the elbow.
"I've known Tom for a long time and he is a scrupulously fair player and just a fantastic strong character, fundamental to what we do at Geelong," Scott said.
"When my time has come and gone, I'll look back and say I was honoured to coach Tom Stewart.
"When I spoke to him post-game, he said 'I've just made a horrible error and I feel terrible about it'.
"'I ran past the ball and I chose to bump, I didn't mean to do it but gee it was terrible execution and I'm going to pay the price for it'.
"I wouldn't normally be this expansive but I thought it speaks to the man.
"He knows he's done the wrong thing.
"Was it deliberate? Of course it wasn't. He's made an error, and as people do that I admire, he's prepared to stand up and say I was wrong.
"It doesn't help them ... they lose one of their best players and we don't run away from that fact.
with AAP
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