Howe's Pies return cut short after sickening collision

Howe got to the bouncing ball a fraction of a second earlier than his opponent and took possession before he was cannoned into by Newcombe.

The pair appeared to clash heads and Howe, who seemed immediately knocked out, also hit his head on the turf when he landed.

Play was held up for several minutes as medical staff assessed Howe and eventually took him off on a stretcher.

The 35-year-old was replaced by substitute Ned Long.

Howe was making his first appearance since round 18 after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Newcombe was also groggy after the collision and was sent to the Hawks' changeroom for further assessment.

The big-bodied midfielder passed a concussion test and returned to the action late in the first quarter, to a mixture of cheers and boos from opposing sets of fans.

Hawthorn led 3.3 to 2.3 at quarter-time in the high-stakes contest.