Jeremy Howe Hospitalised After Heavy Collision in Hawthorn's Crushing Win Over Collingwood

Collingwood veteran Jeremy Howe was taken to hospital following a heavy head clash with Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe during the Hawks' commanding 17.8 (110) to 6.10 (46) victory at the MCG.

The incident occurred in the opening minutes when both players contested a loose ball on the wing, resulting in a sickening head-on collision. Howe was knocked unconscious and remained motionless on the ground before being stretchered off.

Collingwood medical staff assessed Howe on-site before he was transported to hospital at half-time as a precaution.

"He was non-responsive for a short time, which was really concerning," Collingwood football manager Charlie Gardiner told Channel 7. "But once in the rooms, he was up and walking around. Apart from the concussion, we don't believe there are any other major concerns at this stage. The hospital visit is just to be thorough."

The Magpies will be without Howe for at least one match due to the AFL's mandatory concussion protocols.

Newcombe, who also appeared shaken by the collision, passed a concussion test and returned to play a pivotal role with 28 disposals and seven clearances.

"Both of us were just fully committed to the contest - it's part of the game," Newcombe said after the match.

After a closely contested opening term, the Hawks seized control in the second quarter, kicking 7.0 to Collingwood's 1.3 to open up a commanding 39-point lead by half-time. Newcombe's goal early in the third term helped maintain momentum, as Hawthorn surged to a comprehensive win in front of more than 68,000 fans.

The result boosts Hawthorn's percentage from 117.6 to 121.2, potentially crucial in the race for finals. The win ensures the Hawks (14-7) remain in the top eight with matches against Melbourne and Brisbane still to come.

Key contributors included ruckman Lloyd Meek with three goals, while Jack Gunston booted four and Mabior Chol added three. Nick Watson was a constant forward threat, and captain James Sicily led a disciplined defensive unit.

Former Hawk Jack Ginnivan collected 27 disposals but couldn't impact the scoreboard against his old side.

For Collingwood, the 64-point loss was their heaviest defeat under coach Craig McRae, and the lowest score of his four-year tenure. The timing made it even more painful, coming on the night club stalwart Steele Sidebottom celebrated his 350th AFL game.

McRae expressed his disappointment post-match.

"I want to apologise to our Magpie Army - that was a poor performance, there's no sugar-coating it," he said. "We let Steele down. He's a legend of this club, and we owed him much more than that.

"We lacked system, we lacked fight and effort - sometimes all at once. That leaves you really vulnerable."

McRae admitted the incident involving Howe had rattled the team and some coaching staff but said it wasn't an excuse.

"It happened right in front of us and it shook us, but we have to be better," he said. "We just hope Jeremy and his family are OK."

Collingwood (15-6), who had sat atop the ladder for 11 consecutive weeks, have now lost four of their last five games and risk sliding out of the top four.

They face a challenging trip to take on ladder leaders Adelaide next week before a tough final-round clash with Melbourne.

"Judge us on how we respond," McRae said. "We'll turn up next week because that's who we want to be - a team that shows up every single time."