St Kilda have scored a tight 14-point AFL pre-season win over the Western Bulldogs, but the result has been overshadowed by concerns for Paddy McCartin, who has copped another head knock.
The luckless Saint will undergo scans to determine if he has suffered the latest in a series of concussions after a collision late in the first half of the 14.9 (93) to 12.7 (79) win in front of 4384 fans at Ballarat's Mars Stadium.
McCartin, who wears a protective helmet, is understood to have been concussed seven times since 2014.
The 22-year-old was withdrawn from the second half as a precautionary measure after he backed into a pack and was collected by teammate Ben Long.
The incident took the gloss off an encouraging performance by the Saints, who made it two wins from two trial games.
With star midfielder Jack Steven - back at the club after time away to deal with a mental health issue - looking on in the stands, St Kilda led by 13 points at halftime.
Former Richmond forward Sam Lloyd kicked two goals for his new club as the Dogs levelled the scores at three-quarter time.
With tensions occasionally boiling over throughout the clash, the Saints came out on top after a feisty final term.
Long sealed the win with just over two minutes remaining, kicking the last goal of the day after beating Zaine Cordy to a loose ball.
Jack Steele and Josh Billings were outstanding for St Kilda with 25 touches each, while Tim Membrey booted three goals.
Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley were prominent for the Bulldogs with 29 possessions apiece. Lloyd finished with three goals, as did Aaron Naughton.