The Western Bulldogs’ season opener against North Melbourne will be remembered not just for their 16-point victory but also for the shocking incident involving defender Luke Cleary, who was knocked out cold during the match on March 15, 2025, at Marvel Stadium.
Cleary, 23, was involved in a sickening collision when he attempted to scoop up the ball. He lost his footing, falling forward just as Archer barreled toward him, leading to Cleary’s head colliding violently with Archer’s knee. The impact was so severe it rendered Cleary unconscious, and he remained face down on the turf as the play was halted and stadium silence engulfed the crowd.
The game had just under seven minutes left when the collision occurred. Medical staff from both sides rushed onto the field, and Cleary was attended to for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and taken off the field. Both teams and the audience offered their support as fans watched anxiously, with murmurs of concern echoing through Marvel Stadium.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge expressed immediate concern for Cleary, stating, "Luke's headed off to hospital. So I can't give you much other than he'll obviously be in concussion protocols for a little bit and ASAP we'll let you know what's happening with Luke." He noted the play was just unfortunate, saying it appeared to be a bad crash as players were simply going hard after the ball.
The Bulldogs later confirmed Cleary was en route to the hospital as a precautionary measure. He was diagnosed with a concussion and would undergo scans for his head and jaw, ruling him out of at least the next week’s match against Collingwood. Beveridge acknowledged Cleary was responsive on the field, which provided some optimism surrounding his condition.
The focus on the match turned quickly to the Bulldogs' performance. Despite missing key players including captain Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, Cody Weightman, and Liam Jones, they managed to secure the win with a final score of 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97). Ed Richards stood out with 30 disposals and one goal, solidifying his influence. Bailey Dale followed with 29 touches and two goals, helping the Bulldogs to maintain control throughout the match.
Key forward Aaron Naughton also played well, contributing three goals to the team’s total. Naughton and Laitham Vandermeer, who also scored three goals, played pivotal roles as the Bulldogs established an early lead, kicking five of the first six goals and holding off North Melbourne's attempts to catch up.
The North Melbourne team, meanwhile, saw Nick Larkey shine with five goals, proving to be their standout player. Ruckman Tristan Xerri dominated the center with 51 hitouts, giving his team the upper hand for many clearances throughout the game. Despite strong performances, North Melbourne struggled to convert their advantages on the field efficiently.
The game also highlighted the growing concerns about player safety, especially with incidents like Cleary’s collision. The potential ramifications for Archer, the North Melbourne player involved, will be assessed by the Match Review Officer (MRO). The decision will hinge on whether Archer approached the contest recklessly or if the collision was simply an unfortunate consequence of the game—an argument both ex-players and commentators noted during the broadcast.
Fox Footy analysts noted the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the high-speed nature of football which can lead to such unfortunate incidents. Dual flag-winner David King pointed out, "Sometimes things just happen in footy, but we must be vigilant about player safety and technique, and this situation highlights the demands of the game on players’ physical condition, especially concerning head injuries."
After the match, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson expressed empathy for Cleary, commenting, "Just unfortunate collision, I hope the young fella's okay," reinforcing the shared concern among both teams for player safety.
The Bulldogs' next challenge is against Collingwood, tentatively scheduled for March 21, and they will need to navigate this without their young defender. The hope remains high for Cleary's recovery, with teammates, fans, and opponents alike wishing him swift healing.
While the Bulldogs managed to start their campaign positively against North Melbourne, the chilling incident involving Cleary serves as a reminder of the sport's physical risks and the need for continued vigilance concerning player safety guidelines and compliance.