However , this incident inspired the AFL to introduce new rules protecting players with their heads over the ball .
Long faced heavy scrutiny for his bump on Troy Simmonds , which rendered Simmonds unconscious and raised the possibility of him losing mobility -- which fortunately never eventuated .
This incident inspired the AFL to introduce new rules protecting players with their heads over the ball .
Long faced heavy scrutiny for his bump on Troy Simmonds , which rendered Simmonds unconscious and raised the possibility of him losing mobility -- which fortunately never eventuated .