Crash!

The ball spilled out from the centre bounce, with Richmond player Dustin Martin chasing after it and ready to advance the ball forward to the Richmond goal. Charging in from the wing was Brisbane Lions player Mitch Robinson. Known as a hard-headed player, Mitch was on a collision course with Dusty.

As Mitch got close to the impending collision, he pulled up slightly, but it wasn't enough to prevent him from having a heavy collision with Dustin Martin. Both players lay on the ground, hurt from the heavy hit. Another Richmond player collected the ball and kicked it forward, unaware of the two players laying supine on the ground.

Mitch was the first to pick himself up, dust himself off and return to the game. He was shaken but unhurt and was able to return to the game. Dusty slowly lifted himself, doubling over on his knees and elbows, as he struggled to catch his breath and raise himself to his feet. He was hurt, and the commentators were all speculating what injury he might have. 

Cracked ribs was the common consensus, and so it was no wonder Dusty was feeling sore. As the doctor reached him on the field, Dusty was back on his feet and walking gingerly to the sideline. As he crossed the boundary line, he fell to his knees and elbows, still sore from his collision.

Dustin was taken to hospital, where a scan revealed that he had a serious kidney injury that would end his season. The best player in the competition for the last five years was now on the sidelines, and the finals chances for the Richmond Tigers are now in tatters. 

Aussie Rules