FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

THORPDALE Football-Netball Club senior playing-coach Jason Winderlich was flown to The Alfred Hospital on Saturday after sustaining a serious neck injury on the field.

Winderlich was injured after a tackle went horrendously wrong at Thorpdale Recreation Reserve during the second quarter of the Blues’ match against Toora in Round 16 of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.

The match was abandoned.

“One of our players was running in to tackle Jason after he picked up the ball… and from what I understand the contact ended up being to the top of his head and to the chest of the player making the tackle,” Toora coach Jack Weston told Code Sports.

“I didn’t see it all that clearly but I understand Jason had taken a ground ball and went to come up and it was head to chest. From there he went down.”

An ambulance was immediately called before a decision was made to have the former Essendon player flown to Melbourne.

Winderlich was not moved from the ground until the helicopter arrived at 4.30pm.

Thorpdale FNC provided an update on Sunday, calling it a “neck fracture” and that Winderlich’s surgery occurred overnight to insert a plate that “went well”.

They also acknowledged the “tireless efforts of those who provided assistance both on and off the field, demonstrating the unwavering unity that defines (the) club.

“As we stand together in this challenging moment, we send our heartfelt wishes to Jason and his loved ones,” Thorpdale FNC added.

“May his recovery be swift and complete, and may his strength and resilience continue to inspire us all.”

There has been an outpouring of support for Winderlich and Thorpdale in the succeeding days from across all 13 Mid Gippsland clubs.

“Our hearts and support are with Jason, his family and the Thorpdale FNC community,” Toora FNC said.

“The entire Toora FNC community wishes him a swift and full recovery.”

“Thoughts are with Jason. You’ve given so much back to our league and our community, and never forgot who you were along the way,” Mirboo North FNC President, Andy McCarthy said.

“Our thoughts are with Jason and his family and the Thorpdale FNC… we wish him our best in his recovery,” Hill End FNC said.

“Our thought are with Jas, his family and the Thorpdale community,” Fish Creek coach Jarrad Walker said.

“We will look to support in any way we can and hope he comes out okay.”

“Fingers crossed everything works out okay and his recovery goes smoothly,” Tarwin coach Jason Kennedy said.

“Shocking news about Jason after the game. Wishing him all the best,” Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said.

Newborough FNC and Foster FNC extended their well wishes and support to Winderlich and the Thorpdale community.

Winderlich grew up in Thorpdale, playing juniors for the club before being drafted to Essendon in 2002, where he went on to play 129 games.

Winderlich returned to Thorpdale last season as playing-coach alongside Ray Pickering.