HEPBURN coach Clive Raak has justified the club's decision to allow Dan O'Halloran to play on despite showing signs of concussion during the semi final loss to Springbank on Sunday.
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O'Halloran was left dazed following a heavy tackle in the final term at Bungaree and left many spectators uncomfortable after struggling to keep his balance in the ensuing moments.
The onballer was given a free kick following the tackle, but battled to keep his feet and then fell to the ground when trying to kick the Burras into attack.
Trainers followed O'Halloran around the playing arena for a short time before eventually convincing him to leave the field. He then returned shortly before the final siren.
Raak admitted the incident wasn't a good look and said he hadn't initially wanted O'Halloran to play any further part in the match.
He said he had asked for another concussion test after the initial one came back clear.
"Three trainers there gave him three different concussion tests and said he was alright," Raak said.
Raak said O'Halloran pleaded with him to go back on the field.
"He was witty and switched on when I was talking to him," Raak said.
Raak did question whether the umpires should have put a stop to play when O'Halloran fell to the ground, but said his charge had not reported any side effects following the match and had been involved in the club's end-of-season celebrations.
Hepburn's 40-point defeat brought an end to its Central Highlands Football League season, while Springbank now looks forward to a preliminary final against Waubra this Sunday.