Stefan Martin has been through constant concussion testing and monitoring this week ahead of tomorrow night’s game at Etihad Stadium.
The ruckman was last night named to take on the Western Bulldogs in the wake of his head knock at the hands of Gold Coast’s Steven May in last weekend’s QClash at the Gabba.
Lions Football Manager Matt Francis said Brisbane had taken a conservative approach with Martin, who had rested in the days after the bump and slowly built up his level of exercise through the week while being checked for headaches, dizziness or drowsiness.
“We are not going to be taking any risks at all with Stef’s health … there has been constant monitoring, constant questioning,’’ Francis told The Courier-Mail.
“Everything we have done has been evidence-based. If any symptoms return, he won’t be playing.
“Our duty of care towards him and our responsibility towards his long-term health is the only thing we are worried about.
“Stef feels confident his cognitive ability has returned and all the medical protocols have been followed.
“Everyone recovers from concussion differently and all the tests say he is 100 per cent clear of the symptoms.’’
Francis re-iterated the Lions would never put a player in harm’s way, especially given the recent history of career-ending concussions to Justin Clarke, Jonathan Brown and Matt Maguire.
“The only thing we can do is follow what we believe is the best-practice protocols,’’ Francis told The Courier-Mail.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of experience in this area over the last 18 months. We’ve had access to a lot of expertise and communication on concussion. We believe we have the best protocols because of that experience.’’
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