Gold Coast Suns coach Rhyce Shaw reacts to ARC ruling on Dekota Baron

Gold Coast Suns coach Rhyce Shaw expressed surprise and frustration following the AFL Review Centre (ARC) decision to remove Rising Star nominee Dekota Baron from a match against Richmond.

During the first quarter, Baron sustained a heavy head impact during a marking contest with Montana McKinnon. Although Suns doctors initially cleared Baron to continue playing after a mandatory head injury assessment (HIA), the ARC intervened later in the game. Despite Baron being cleared to return after her initial assessment, the ARC made a secondary judgment call that forced the young forward to leave the field for the remainder of the match.

Shaw noted that while the decision was unexpected and difficult for the team's forward structure, he emphasized that player wellbeing must remain the primary priority. Baron was visibly upset on the sidelines, and the Suns also lost defender Daisy D'Arcy to concussion during the game. Despite the loss of key players, the Suns secured a narrow victory over Richmond.