Pearce disagrees. “The evidence shows clearly that a history of concussions poses increased risk for further concussion, the lower the impact force is required for subsequent concussion, the risk of worse symptoms, and risk of longer recovery periods,” he said.

“If these sports espouse [that] ‘the health and well-being of our athletes are our top priority’, then why do they let players continue to suffer brain injuries? It wouldn’t happen in other workplaces.”

Swans coach John Longmire said it was too early to speculate what Saturday night’s incident would mean for McCartin’s AFL future, and urged people to “take a deep breath” before jumping to conclusions, while the club’s football manager Charlie Gardiner said “every precaution” would be taken with him.

McCartin would be formally assessed in the next 24 to 48 hours, the club said.

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He can technically play in Sydney’s Gather Round match in Adelaide against Richmond on Friday night – because Longmire decided to take him off without undergoing a head injury assessment, since he was obviously unwell, and thus hasn’t triggered the AFL’s mandatory protocols – but the Swans are expected to sideline McCartin until there is clarity around his condition.

Paddy’s brother, Tom McCartin, also suffered a concussion on Saturday night and having failed his heade injury assessment, will definitely not play against the Tigers at Adelaide Oval.

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