On Saturday at Central Park, Stawell Warriors midfielder David Andrivon made a strong tackle that resulted in Nhill’s Jordan Zeitz being knocked unconscious.

The tackle was completed within the rules and in the spirit of the game, but the outcome wasn’t so favourable. 

Zeitz was taken via ambulance to Stawell Hospital and was later discharged, luckily with no more than a headache.

The game went on, but the mental pictures of him lying motionless on the ground hit Andrivon hard.

“When something so serious happens there are no colours,” Andrivon said.

“Everyone comes together. Football is secondary to the health of the players.”

Andrivon was unaware of what had happened until the play had stopped.

“It is never a nice feeling to turn around and see a bloke on the ground and in a bad way,” Andrivon said.

“I wasn’t aware of what had happened.

“I have reflected on it a little bit since.

“While I won’t change how I play, it will be in the back of my mind for a long time to come.”

The situation was handled well by both clubs.

Andrivon made his way to the Nhill change rooms following the match and apologised to Tigers coach Alan Bennett. 

Andrivon said he acted with no malicious intent.

“You always feel a little bit funny about it and it is hard to play the game out,” Andrivon said.

“We play Nhill again and I will certainly make an effort to go see Jordan before the game to shake hands and apologise.”

Sportsmanship is something Andrivon takes a great deal of pride in.

The smaller frame of Zeitz copped the full force of Andrivon who weighs almost 40 kilograms more.

Andrivon has a rugby background and trained with the Melbourne Rebels in the team’s inaugural season.

Serious football injuries have been well publicised with East Perth’s Beau Chatley the latest victim.

Chatley suffered significant spinal cord and neck damage in a tackle a fortnight ago.