Overview

• Lachie Schultz suffered a concussion during Collingwood's Round 9 match against Fremantle, with umpires failing to stop play despite acknowledging his injury in on-field audio.
• The AFL initially claimed umpires were unaware of Schultz's condition but later admitted the statement was based on incorrect information from the umpiring department.
• AFL football boss Laura Kane accepted responsibility for the league's miscommunication and counseled the four umpires involved, emphasizing the need for improved processes.
• The AFL Players’ Association criticized the league's handling of the incident and called for stricter on-field injury protocols to prioritize player safety.
• Schultz remains in concussion protocols and will miss Collingwood's next match, while the incident has reignited broader debates about umpire accountability and AFL governance.