Melbourne’s Eden Zanker out of AFLW final clash with Brisbane but confusion reigns

Confusion has reigned after Melbourne star forward Eden Zanker was taken out of her team’s qualifying final loss to Brisbane at Ikon Park on Sunday.

Zanker received a heavy bump in the first quarter and was helped from the field by trainers to have an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Eden Zanker out of AFLW final after heavy knock.

She returned for the second quarter but was then removed from the game just before half-time.

“She actually passed the SCAT6 test, so she was cleared, but out of extra caution, the Dees have decided to bench her for the rest of the game,” said boundary rider Nat Edwards.

But that decision then prompted some immediate questions.

Was she out with concussion or not given she had passed the test?

Commentator Jason Bennett said: “So that will have an impact on the future in terms of whether she’s available next week. If they win, of course, they will get the week off.”

But AFLW expert Kate McCarthy said it was a “grey area” given she had just passed the concussion test.

“That’s a grey area, because is she out with concussion? If she’s passed the test, she’s not out with concussion, and could play next week. That’s very confusing,” McCarthy said.

Bennett added: “Technically, you’d say she’d be available next week, and they’re just doing it out of an abundance of caution ... so more on that during the week, no doubt.”

Edwards said the club had later told her they were also “unsure” if Zanker would be allowed to play next week.

“I assume that comes down to some clarification from the league,” McCarthy said at half-time.

“There are some other mechanisms around if you’re showing symptoms and signs (of delayed concussion).”

“That’s definitely a watch heading into next week ... but Melbourne may not have to play next week so it might not be a problem.”

Melbourne eventually lost the game by 13 points, 6.7 (43) to 9.2 (56).

It was a disappointing result for the home team after they dominated the first quarter.

As well as Zanker, Melbourne also have a concern on Blaithin Mackin who finished the game with ice on her ankle.

Demons coach Mick Stinear later confirmed Zanker had indeed entered concussion protocols and would be out of action for at least 12 days.

“(Eden) is in concussion protocols, was ruled out of the game, so yeah, she’ll enter that protocol now,” he said.

“(She) seems to be doing OK, which is the No.1 thing, but yeah, disappointing to lose a key member for the team for a large part of the game.

“But the aim will be to get to work as a team, and hopefully give her an opportunity to play again this season.”

As for Brisbane, they look like they’re on track to meet North Melbourne in the AFLW premiership decider for a third-straight season.

Overcoming a slow start, the Lions lifted after quarter-time, kicking six of the next seven goals to progress to a sixth-consecutive preliminary final.

Melbourne blew multiple opportunities to reduce the margin in the third quarter, before Ellie Hampson kicked a classy goal on the run right before the siren to extend the Lions’ lead to a matchwinning 14 points.

Brisbane had contributors across the ground, while the Demons relied too heavily on superstar Kate Hore (31 possessions, eight clearances).

Melbourne’s captain produced a stunning first quarter of 10 disposals, four clearances and 1.1 to inspire the Dees to a 14-point lead.

Hore’s first goal took her to 100 career AFLW majors, becoming the second player to achieve the feat after Port Adelaide’s Gemma Houghton managed it last week.

Star Lions midfielder Ally Anderson was outstanding and kicked two last-quarter goals, while Belle Dawes was one of many Brisbane players to lift after a quiet start.

It is the Lions’ first finals win against Melbourne after losing a preliminary final, then a grand final during the two seasons played in 2022.

Brisbane will have a week off before hosting a preliminary final against Carlton or Hawthorn.

Rampaging reigning premiers North Melbourne are in the other preliminary final after destroying the Hawks on Friday night for a record-extending 25th-straight win.

The Lions beat North to win the 2023 premiership, before the Kangaroos reversed the result last year for their first AFLW flag.

Brisbane defender Jen Dunne was distraught when she came from the ground clutching her knee in the second term, but was able to return after receiving medical treatment.

Melbourne will need to respond in a sudden-death semi-final next week against Adelaide or St Kilda.

- With AAP