Tommo Hawk Scalps Toovey

Kim Densham for AFANA in Melbourne

Final quarter action during the round eight clash between ladder leaders Collingwood and Geelong saw many uncompromising acts of bravery. In footy however, no act is considered more brave than a player running back with the flight of the ball into an oncoming pack.

During the tense action Collingwood defender Heath Shaw is attributed with calling Alan Toovey back into defense to ensure Collingwood weight of numbers in the marking contest. Toovey with eyes on the ball ran back in full flight heading for the oncoming express train that was Geelong forward, Tom Hawkins, nicknamed 'Tommo Hawk', flying towards the long ball attempting a high mark, known as the 'specky'.

Hawkins missed the grab but made contact with the head of Toovey, his left knee or thigh smashing Toovey in the face at full speed. Toovey was flung like a rag doll into the turf and lay momentarily stunned. He attempted to get to his knees but once the medical team arrived he was turned onto his side to ensure a clear air passage as blood was streaming from his mouth and nose.

Stunned and visibly incapacitated, the stretcher was called for and the game stopped while he received assistance to load him onto the stretcher cart. He was removed from the ground and immediately taken to hospital for head scan and treatment.
News reports indicate that he was released with no structural facial damage.

Football fans salute your bravery, Alan Toovey.

click http://www.afana.com/drupal5/category/image_galleries/2011_season/2011_season_photo_essays/round_8_geelong_v_collingwood/rd_8_toohere for the images.