THE AFL has issued a "please explain" to Gold Coast over its handling of young key forward Dekota Baron's concussion.

Gold Coast has confirmed Baron is in concussion protocols and is unavailable for selection for Sunday's match against Greater Western Sydney.

The Suns had initially cleared Baron to return to the field after a bump against Richmond, but the ARC intervened, and the 19-year-old was brought from the field again, upset, and ruled out for the remainder of the game. 

The AFL has confirmed to AFL.com.au that a "please explain" has been sent to the Suns, who will also be without Daisy D'Arcy (a separate concussion) for Sunday's match – a must-win in order to secure a top-four finish – while Ava Usher's bid to overturn a one-match ban failed.

Speaking earlier on Tuesday, before the news of the "please explain" had been broken, coach Rhyce Shaw told reporters the club doctor "did a fantastic job".

"[Baron] seems in good spirits. She's in protocols at this stage and we'll see what happens there," Shaw said.

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'That doesn't look good': Sun ruled out after brutal hip to jaw

Dekota Baron is ruled out of the game under HIA guidelines after this heavy clash with Montana McKinnon early in the match

Published on Oct 24, 2026

"It's really important the wellbeing of the player is first and foremost at the front of everyone's mind.

"After that it's a discussion for the AFL and our club and what that looks like and we're going through a process to see how that pans out. Our doctor did a fantastic job."