The pair didn't take any further part, only adding to the Panthers' second half comeback win over Wodonga.

"I remember the ball coming out the back and the Wodonga players chasing it, I was working out whether to let Drew come through or get the ball myself and then I remember waking up and the trainer was next to me," Mackinlay revealed.

"When I came to I heard them say, 'we'll need two stretchers' and I thought, 'have I hit someone from Wodonga'? Then I saw the white shorts and thought, 'oh no, it's one of our players'."

He required four stitches in his chin, two in his shin and also picked up a corked left thigh.

"I'm not too bad, I had a couple of headaches yesterday (Sunday), but slept OK the last two nights."

Meanwhile, Wangaratta coach Dean Stone has explained the selection of one-time Melbourne resident Mat Grossman.

"'Grossy's' been working remotely in Bright, he has a tenancy agreement in Bright, so he's been up there since before the lockdowns," Stone explained.

"We won't break the rules, hence the five or six boys who couldn't play, anybody that is eligible and follows the COVID rules, we'll play them."

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And while Melbourne players couldn't play, a host of sons of former players debuted, including Wangaratta Rovers' Josh O'Donohue, the son of former club coach John, who booted two goals, including his first kick.

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