Lexi Hamilton, a paramedic, tends Piper Dunlop after head clash in AFLW semi-final
In the third quarter of Geelong’s AFLW semi-final against Sydney at GMHBA Stadium, Sydney forward Lexi Hamilton — who is a trained nurse and paramedic — rushed to assist Cats ruck Piper Dunlop after a head clash with Tanya Kennedy, easing her to the ground and placing her in the recovery position before medical staff arrived. Dunlop was later taken to hospital.
Hamilton raced over as Dunlop, who had tried to play on after the collision, stumbled and appeared to lose consciousness; she was eventually stretched from the field and loaded into an ambulance. Cats coach Mick Stinear confirmed Dunlop was awake when she was taken to hospital, saying: “Piper’s in hospital now just getting some further imaging done,” he said. “I think she’s doing OK but we won’t know more until we get the imaging results. She’s in good hands.”
Swans coach Colin O’Riordan described Hamilton’s response, saying: “Instinct kicked in for Lex, even though she was in the heat of the battle,” he said. “Lexi’s first reaction was, ‘How can I help someone?’. It’s credit to her and how she goes about it. “Obviously, [a] qualified nurse, just incredible ... It’s just testament to the person Lexi is in the heat of battle. You can still turn someone on the recovery position and make sure that they’re OK.”
In a bruising encounter at GMHBA Stadium, the Swans upset Geelong by three points, 8.2 (50) to 7.5 (47). The narrow scoreline decided the semi-final.
Young ruck Maddie Quinn (22 disposals, 18 hit-outs and one goal) and Chloe Molloy (three goals and 15 disposals) were instrumental in Sydney’s victory.
Three-time Cats best and fairest winner Amy McDonald (hamstring) was ruled out of the contest, Irishwoman Rachel Kearns was limited by a hip injury and Georgie Prespakis passed a concussion test after a heavy hit.
The win sets up a preliminary final showdown with back-to-back reigning premiers North Melbourne. It follows the Swans’ three-point semi-final victory over Geelong.