Emmet Bolton is a major doubt for the second International Rules Test between Ireland and Australia, after he suffered concussion in his side’s big win in Melbourne.
Kildare defender Bolton was concussed in the third quarter of the thumping 80-36 win that Anthony Tohill’s side secured on Friday, against what admittedly was not as strong a home side as it might have been.
The Eadestown player suffered the blow after a collision with Australia’s Mitch Robinson, Bolton bothered by neck and head knocks after the incident.
Tempers flared between both sides briefly after the clash, with referee David Coldrick stopping the game as the Lilywhites favourite left the field.
Donegal's Karl Lacey is a likely contender to replace Bolton in next week’s matchday panel if needed.
Still in spite of the blow to Bolton, Australia coach Rodney Eade says that his team was too nice on the day.
Many big names are not part of Eade’s squad, with some heavy hitters missing, and the coach was quoted by the AFL’s official website as saying his side will up their aggression levels in next Friday’s second Test in Queensland.
"I think we probably worried too much about being nice and making sure the spirit of the game was upheld," Eade said post-match.
"I don't think we'll expect fireworks, but we'll certainly be playing our way next week, there's no doubt about that.
Eade went on to praise his side’s conquerors, saying: "The disparity with the use of the ball was just extreme," he said.
"We struggled to control the ball, and the Irish were just fantastic the way they used the ball.
"Their kicking skills were sensational, from short range and even from long range.
"They were kicking 50-metre passes, which is extraordinary."