It was one of the most sickening sights of the 2009 AFL season - or any season for that matter.

But Troy Selwood's "car crash" head clash with Richmond's Alex Rance on Saturday also led to one of the most inspirational, according to Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss.

Both players lost consciousness after colliding while contesting a loose ball in the third quarter at the MCG.

It proved a turning point for the Lions in the match - and maybe even for their season.

As a recovering Selwood looked on, the Lions reeled in Richmond to triumph by 26 points - their first away victory since round 8 last year, and first over the Tigers in five years.

After the fulltime siren sounded, the Lions players had every reason to celebrate - but instead they rushed to acknowledge Selwood.

"Every now again as a coach you get goose bumps about different things, and I got goose bumps when I saw that," Voss said on Monday.

"I thought 'that's what teamwork is all about' - when one of your mates puts his body on the line for you and is willing to hurt himself for the greater cause.

"When you see all the guys go over to him after the game and acknowledge that effort, it is spine tingling."

Asked if he hoped the "Selwood moment" may also be season defining, Voss said: "I hope so.

"We made reference to him at three-quarter time.

"When you see a commitment like that from one of your teammates you can't help but not want to let him down."

Voss insisted that Selwood had not suffered concussion - well, not at first anyway.

"He probably got concussion from all the taps on the head (after the match) rather than the incident itself," Voss smiled.

"It's not exactly what you want after you've just been knocked on the head."

However, Voss said the incident itself was no laughing matter.

Rance had to undergo surgery for fractures around his cheekbone and eye socket, although Selwood was able to fly back with the team with a "sore head".

"We obviously hope that young Rance is okay as well," Voss said.

But Voss has adopted a "wait and see" approach before picking Selwood for Saturday night's Gabba clash with a desperate Adelaide.

Selwood's actions may have been inspirational, but Voss was keen on it not happening again.

"As a coach I can teach a better technique, not lead with the head but more of the shoulder - and I am quite serious about that," Voss said.

"That is something I have to make sure (that when you) put your body on the line, you have also got to protect yourself."

Selwood is no stranger to head knocks but donning headgear in the style of Lions legend Shaun Hart seems unlikely.

"I am sure the boys will give him a fair ribbing if he sticks the helmet on," Voss laughed.

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