Port Adelaide will be without forward Todd Marshall for their upcoming preliminary final against Sydney, as he has entered concussion protocols following a head injury sustained in their recent semi-final victory over Hawthorn.

Port Adelaide’s Todd Marshall Out of Sydney Preliminary Final Due to Concussion Protocols

Todd Marshall Suffers Head Injury During Semi-Final

During Port Adelaide's thrilling semi-final match against Hawthorn, Todd Marshall experienced a knock to the head in the second quarter. Initially, the medical team's assessment led to the belief that he could continue playing. However, the situation took a turn after he recorded only one handball in the third quarter, prompting his substitution during the third quarter break. Following the match, it was confirmed that Marshall was indeed suffering from a concussion, which now requires him to miss at least 12 days of play.

Club's Response and Previous Concussion Controversy

The club's medical staff is under scrutiny as they face their second such examination within a year. Last season, the club was fined $100,000 for failing to adhere to concussion protocols during a game against Adelaide, where teammates Aliir Aliir and Lachie Jones collided. While Jones was subsequently ruled out with a migraine, Aliir returned to play without undergoing necessary concussion testing, leading to a reevaluation of protocols two days later. As a result, half of the previous fine was deducted from their salary cap, while the other half remains contingent upon future compliance.

Current Status of Concussion Protocols

Despite the earlier incident, there are currently no allegations suggesting that Port Adelaide breached concussion protocols during Friday night's match. Nonetheless, if the AFL finds substantial evidence indicating a violation, the club may be compelled to include the remainder of the previous fine in their salary cap. The AFL has been approached for comment on this situation.