Should Jude play this weekend?

[mocaholic]

I know he came back, I know the docs will say that every case is different, but gee... he copped two big whacks on Satdy. Vision of him unable to pick up the ball, not knowing where he was, staggering around sideways, groggy and non compos... no good.

I thought we had two LRT's there for a moment.

[Jeffers1984]

He might not be there anyways depending on the MRP. He apparently has 70 carry over points so it's unlikely he will play this weekend.

[Go Swannies]

If he doesn't we'll really miss him. Playing great footy these days. And a GREAT kick for goal - whodathoughtit!

[Primmy]

I hope all is well, but.....I don't think he should play next week. Not after the second hit.

I don't think he will get wiped out by the tribunal, it was just after his first hit and I doubt he would be seen to have made a "decision" rather than slow to make one - he did turn his body.....I hope they see sense.

[ScottH]

Not much in the incident, IMO.

Whether he should play. I'd say no. Too many hit too the head. I was surprised to se him come back on after the first hit, let alone the 2nd. But then he still played an important role in the game.

[Big Al]

As long as he can guess his name and where he lives within 3 tries I say let him play.

[Dalai Lama]

He could bring out his 2005 Grand Final party hat to be on the safe side?

[waterfowl]

I am quite concerned about Jude playing too soon. I read that all he remembers about the game is Braddy's torp - indicating he has Grade 3 concussion. As we know, any further bumps in the next few weeks could be very serious. It's unbelievable the way he attacks the footing. I think he was close to BOG Saturday.

[giant]

As long as he can guess his name and where he lives within 3 tries I say let him play.

I reckon soon he'll need to be like Guy Pearce's character in "Memento" and have the important stuff tattooed on his body.

I'd certainly wouldn't begrudge him a week off, but he doesn't seem the type. Maybe the MRP can do him a favour.

On his kicking, it's not just shooting for goals that's improved - his general field kicking has also improved out of sight. I even saw a couple of excellent left foot centre clearances in the Norf game.

[neilfws]

It's a call for the doctors - they'll perform cognitive tests during the week and make a recommendation based on that.

At least one former player calls for a week off after concussion:

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/concussion-victim-calls-for-week-off-20100419-spcs.html

And this seems to be the official AFL policy:

http://aflpa.com.au/articleimage/management-concussion

Personally, I think a week off is appropriate. Multiple concussions over a career are a serious problem and can lead to the same permanent damage seen in some boxers. I'm full of admiration for Jude, but I hope he retires with enough brain cells to have a second career!

[Vonsteinman]

Yeah, I'd swear he's changed his style when kicking for goal. Seems to really focus on kicking right through it, possibly with his head and shoulders further forward? Or maybe I was just seeing things. He did seem to have a lot more purpose about his action anyway...

[stellation]

I must admit, I thought (just from seeing it live then spotting a replay on the big screen) that Jude may have been in doubt for this week for giving a bump to the head of a Lion. but I may have been seeing things.

[liz]

I must admit, I thought (just from seeing it live then spotting a replay on the big screen) that Jude may have been in doubt for this week for giving a bump to the head of a Lion. but I may have been seeing things.

There was definitely a collision. Very different incident to the Kossie on Malceski one because it didn't look like Jude tried to bump the Lions player. He just made contact as he ran towards the contest.

However, they suspended Brennan a few weeks ago when he essentially stood still and his opponent ran into him, so goodness knows how the MRP will react.

[rojo]

It was interesting to read the article by Rintoul and the aflpa 'directives'. It seems like Jude should not have been allowed to come back onto the ground on Saturday. He made a really important contribution when he came back on, and the Swans were already down one player, but hey, what about the potential future cost to the player? It is a hard call but I say that to protect the player is the highest priority. I still think Tighe's physical condition before he went back to Ireland was a result of gross mismanagement and almost unforgiveable! I hope Jude does not play v the Cats, even if he passes the 'tests' and wants to. If McGlynn is fully recovered he could fill the gap.

[Jesse Richards]

I agree that Jude should not play this week. Also O'Keefe. Brave as they both are, I would prefer that they stay safe.