Tom Stewart’s ‘jaw-dropping tackle’ puts Noah Anderson on the ground as Geelong dominates Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Suns star Noah Anderson was forced to exit the field late in the match against Geelong after experiencing a heavy hit from Tom Stewart during a disappointing 9.7 (61) to 5.7 (37) defeat.

With only eight minutes remaining in the final quarter, Mac Andrew received a free kick in his defensive 50. However, his kick was inaccurate, requiring Anderson to chase after the loose ball.

Surrounded by three Geelong players, he was met front-on by Stewart, who delivered a solid hit as Anderson pursued the ball.

The midfielder remained on the ground for an extended period while play was halted.

Replays confirmed that Stewart’s challenge was legal and did not result in head contact, although Anderson’s head did hit the turf.

“A bone-rattling bump,” commentator Mark Howard remarked on Fox Footy.

AFL legend Jordan Lewis described it as “one of the most significant collisions I’ve seen this season”.

“At this moment, you can’t help but feel for Noah Anderson,” he commented.

Eventually, Anderson managed to stand and was helped to the bench, showing no apparent signs of concussion.

He seemed ready to re-enter the game until Gold Coast’s medical staff informed him he needed to go to the rooms for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Evidently frustrated, the 24-year-old reacted strongly to the news.

Gold Coast’s challenges didn’t end with Anderson’s injury.

Shannon Neale also exited the match due to a lower leg injury, later seen in a moon boot, while Bailey Smith was ruled out before the game due to a hamstring concern.

Further complicating matters for Gold Coast is the potential disciplinary issue surrounding Jed Walter, who may face scrutiny for a high hit on Mark O’Connor.

Walter caught the Geelong defender high during the third quarter following a kick and was penalised with a downfield free kick.

“It was a clear miss by the officiating team,” Lewis remarked.

For the Cats, Tyson Stengle shone brightly, scoring four goals, while Max Holmes led the team with 40 disposals.