GWS Star Kieren Briggs Hospitalised with Suspected Neck Injury Following ‘Serious’ Marking Collision

GWS star Kieren Briggs was rushed to hospital due to a potential neck injury after a heavy collision in the opening minutes of the match against Collingwood.

Immediate concern arose for the ruckman when he was left sprawled on the ground following a marking contest within his defensive 50.

Briggs was thrown forward by Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron during the contest as he attempted to retrieve the ball, but his effort was met with some unintentional interference.

Teammate Sam Taylor inadvertently collided with Briggs, causing the 25-year-old to drop to the ground, where he remained until trainers arrived.

“Darcy Cameron’s two hands pushed him (Briggs) under the footy a bit,” AFL legend Dermott Brereton remarked on Fox League.

“There’s no malicious intent involved – it just led him into a body contact he wasn’t prepared for.

“There’s a bit of a shove in there… There’s no ill will, but it resulted in an unfortunate outcome.”

While medical staff attended to Briggs, all players remained in their respective huddles.

Ultimately, he was carried off the field on a stretcher for evaluation.

GWS later reported that Briggs was “up and walking,” but was taken to hospital for further examination of his neck.

He is expected to miss next week’s match against Melbourne, depending on any concussion symptoms that may arise.

This injury adds to GWS’ mounting injury concerns, with Jake Riccardi, Jake Stringer, and Jesse Hogan already sidelined.

“The structural impacts will be significant,” Nathan Buckley commented regarding Briggs’ injury.

“This isn’t the scenario Adam Kingsley and his coaching team anticipated heading into the match.”

Briggs has only missed one of the last 42 games for GWS since stepping up as the team’s primary ruckman in 2023.