Star Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe has been cleared of any further injury beyond the concussion he suffered in a sickening collision on Thursday night.
A brutal collision left Howe motionless on the ground just two minutes into the Magpies’ 64-point loss against Hawthorn.
The 35-year-old was chasing a loose ball when he crashed into an incoming Jai Newcombe, which resulted in the Pies gun falling straight towards the ground.
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The momentum of the collision saw Newcombe follow his rival to the turf within the following seconds, but attention was instantly placed on the state of Howe.
“In positive news, subsequent scans over night have cleared him of any further injury,” Collingwood footy boss Charlie Gardiner said in a club statement on Friday.
“Jeremy has since returned home and is recovering well.
“He will work through the concussion protocols with the support of our medical team.”
Jai Newcombe of the Hawks and Jeremy Howe of the Magpies are seen after the collision. AFL Photos via Getty Images
North Melbourne great David King likened the injury to a “car crash” and said it was “sickening” to watch.
“This is what these guys subject themselves to at the highest level,” King said on the Fox Footy broadcast.
A replay of the incident confirmed that Howe had got to the ball but had clashed heads with Newcombe as he attempted to gain possession.
Play was stopped after the ball was cleared down the other end of the field, with team medics attending to the pair on the turf.
The Hawks star managed to return to his feet with no assistance and was cleared to return to play following an assessment with team medics in the rooms.
Meanwhile, Howe was taken from the field on a stretcher.
Jeremy Howe of the Magpies leaves the ground on a stretcher. Getty
All fielded Collingwood players approached Howe as he was taken to the sheds.
“It will be very difficult for his teammates to watch. The emotional impact this will have, they are almost family these guys,” King continued.
“Seeing one of your great mates go down like this, you will lose concentration on the game because in reality, there is a greater price being paid.”
King said he did not believe Newcombe would have a case to answer with the match review officer.
Ned Long was substituted into the game in replace of Howe.
Jack Gunston of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal. Getty
At the end of the first term, Hawthorn held a five-point lead, but that quickly turned into a 39-point margin at the half-time break.
The Hawks took control of the match in the second term, slotting seven goals to their rivals’ one.
Collingwood managed to increase its score to 33 points at the end of the third, but it was not enough to overshadow the power that was Hawthorn’s attack.
As the final siren sounded, the result ended 17.8 (110) to 6.10 (46) in favour of the Hawks.
