The manager of Paddy McCartin, Scott Lucas says after his third concussion of the year yesterday against the Gold Coast further investigations will need to be carried out by the Saints.
He admits a couple of the knocks in-particular haven’t been heavy, which does make it slightly concerning.
“I think when you’ve had three and a couple of the knocks haven’t looked particularly nasty in terms of what you would imagine from a concussion, clearly St Kilda will investigate, because his welfare is paramount,” Lucas told SEN Radio.
“Certainly I think for any player you can substitute Paddy’s name for any player (and) when you’ve had three in a season you want to make sure you’re doing a full investigation just to assess that.
“We’ll be there to support him and the club in getting that.”
McCartin only just returned from a concussion suffered against Adelaide prior to the bye and Lucas says he passed all the tests with flying colours.
However, unlike other players who have had numerous knocks he has pulled up very well, particularly as others have felt symptoms for weeks after.
“He a couple of weeks ago after the Adelaide game had all the tests, fine, full clearance,” he said.
“What’s been interesting is that he’s pulled up very well. It’s bad that he’s got the knocks, but he’s pulled up very well from them, as opposed to some players that have had a knock and felt the after affects for two or three weeks.
“I think each case is unique in a sense, but more broadly I think clubs are doing a great job in monitoring players and the welfare of players.
“The times when players could talk their way into coming back on has ceased many years ago.”
He isn’t sure whether by having a longer break after a head knock it makes a discernible difference, but does admit players who have several concussions appear to be more susceptible.
“This has no science, it’s only my opinion in observing the game that a length of time I don’t think makes any difference,” said Lucas.
“But, I do believe and we’ve seen numbers of players where they get a couple, they do seem more prone to further ones.
“It just seems they’re more susceptible to it.”
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http://www.sen.com.au/news/afl/07-16/mc ... oC8peTP.99