Melbourne's Rohan Bail in action against the West Coast Eagles. Picture: Wayen Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
THE AFL's new concussion rule was lauded by Melbourne after the Demons employed it against West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.
Rohan Bail, who has a history of concussions, played his first game of the season after specialists warned him to avoid physical contact for six weeks following after a series of knocks in the pre-season.
Bail, 24, was concussed in Round 9 last season and sidelined for four games. He required brain scans and consultations with a neurosurgeon.
Bail was taken from the ground late in time-on of the second quarter after a teammate accidentally kneed him in the head. The 20-minute concussion rule enabled Melbourne to substitute Bail with Jimmy Toumpas while the half-forward was tested.
After being cleared of concussion, Bail returned to the ground after the mandatory 20-minute assessment, while Toumpas again took the green vest as the substitute.
Halftime gave Bail extra time to be assessed.
Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the incident showed how well the new rule could work.
"Rohan was able to come off and he passed the testing procedure, and from both the club point of view and a duty point of view, he was able to go back on," Mahoney said.
Bail had no side effects yesterday.
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