Gun Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron did not return to the field for his side’s 66-point victory over Essendon following a sickening collision with Bombers defender Jayden Laverde.
Late in the first term at the MCG, Cameron went back with the flight of the ball as teammate Tom Hawkins pushed forward on the lead, causing him to crash into Laverde’s side mid-air.
Both players were knocked to the ground as medical staff rushed to their aid.
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Cameron was soon able to get to his feet and showed a classy moment of sportsmanship, going over to check on Laverde who was in the hands of a trainer.
Cameron had booted two goals but his day ended when he left the field clutching at his ribs, Francis Evans running on as a replacement.
Fox Footy commentator Ben Dixon said Cameron had suffered a broken rib in the nasty collision, and the former Giant has since been taken to hospital, struggling to breathe and stand up straight.
Laverde was helped into the rooms but returned to the field in the second term.
Commentator Brad Johnson said Cameron had misread Hawkins’ movements in the moments before the crash.
“He thought, I think, Hawkins was going to block for him to come back onto it,” Johnson said.
“But the kick was suited for Hawkins.
“Both players there, eyes on the footy.”
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