Cautious approach to concussed pair

THE Western Bulldogs will be taking a cautious approach with Tim English and Ed Richards, with both dealing with concussion issues.

Richards was substituted out of the club’s round 16 game against Hawthorn in the second term following a Mitch Lewis knee to the head in a marking contest, which subsequently ruled him out of the following clash with Brisbane.

7News journalist Mitch Cleary believes the Dogs will not rush Richards, or English, back, given the pair have had ongoing concussion problems.

“Going back to the Friday night, he probably played four or five more minutes in the game after he copped a big head knock,” Cleary said on SEN Breakfast.

“I was sitting on the bench for the game and their head of physio Chris Bell received a phone call which I can only presume was from the AFL bunker.

“The AFL has been pretty cognisant in picking up these head knocks off the ball. He was ruled out of the game. It’s been his third year of concussion problems.

“So too Tim English, he’s had three years of concussion problems and the Dogs have pretty much ruled him out for another week given he will be out of his 12-day protocols by the time the Bulldogs play their next game.

“One that might have flown under the radar in Ed Richards, he’s had a good year across half back, they’re fighting for a spot in the top eight, I think the Dogs will be extra cautious around him.

“He was talking in the rooms post game, but talking about being a little nauseous, a bit of dizziness to Dogs officials.”

– BY NIC NEGREPONTIS/ SEN