CARLTON is breathing a huge sigh of relief after star defender Jacob Weitering was cleared of any neck or spinal damage following his scary AAMI AFL Origin injury.
Weitering was sandwiched in a high-flying marking contest and had the full weight of WA forward Mitch Georgiades fall on his ribs and shoulder as they crashed to the turf during the opening quarter of Saturday's clash.
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But it was Weitering's neck that was the biggest concern, with the 28-year-old stretchered off the field and taken to hospital for scans.
Weitering has now been cleared of any neck, spinal or major internal injuries, and he was released from hospital on Sunday morning and given permission to fly back to Melbourne.
But the 204-game veteran isn't totally out of the woods, with further investigations required on the soreness he is still experiencing in his chest.
The untimely injury means the Carlton vice-captain is in doubt for the Blues' Opening Round clash against Sydney on March 5.
Carlton will provide a more accurate recovery timeline in the next few days, once Weitering is further assessed.
"First and foremost we are grateful Jacob is OK and has been cleared of any major injury - it is a positive outcome given the circumstances," Blues general manager of football Chris Davies said in a statement.
"While Jacob is feeling sore this morning, he has avoided significant damage, so we will manage him as needed while we ramp up our preparations for the start of the season.
"Although that moment in the game was unfortunate, it does not take away from the fact that our football club is incredibly proud of both Jacob and Patrick (Cripps) for earning the honour to represent their respective states.
"It is a fantastic career achievement that both Jacob and Patrick can hold dear to them for the remainder of their careers."
Weitering was set for a blockbuster match-up against star Swans recruit Charlie Curnow in the season opener.
Curnow kicked 313 goals across 149 games while at Carlton before switching to Sydney in the off-season, and Weitering's absence for the match would be a huge blow to the Blues' chances.