Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Brody Mihocek neck injury fears have been laid bare after the Melbourne Demons forward revealed he worried he may never walk again following a frightening King’s Birthday tackle against Collingwood Football Club.
Mihocek required neck surgery after a June 7 incident involving former teammate Billy Frampton stopped the match for 10 minutes while doctors treated him on the ground. The injury matters because the 2023 Collingwood premiership player has been ruled out for the rest of the AFL season and now faces a long recovery.
For more AFL selection news, read Justin Longmuir Hints Sean Darcy AFL Return Is Imminent for Fremantle Dockers, while official fixtures are available through the Australian Football League website.
Mihocek Opens Up On Scary Moment
“I’m feeling a lot better and the support’s been amazing, I’ve had a lot of very kind messages from a lot of people,” he told Melbourne’s website on Wednesday.
“I’m still obviously coming to terms with the injury; I like to think it’s just another football injury, but it is pretty unique. Taking it day by day, really.
“To think of what could have been at the time, I’m pretty thankful to just be up and walking and talking as well.”
Mihocek said the moment he hit the ground immediately felt serious.
“I heard a massive crack when I hit the ground and then lost feeling in pretty much most of my body, then the worry kicked in there,” Mihocek said of the tackle.
Recovery Now The Main Focus
Frampton initially received a three-match ban, but the suspension was later overturned at the AFL tribunal.
“Obviously your thoughts go to, ‘I’m not going to be able to walk for the rest of my life’,” Mihocek said.
Mihocek will wear a neck brace for another six weeks before a further six weeks of limited movement.
“When you’re a full-time athlete and then you get that all taken away, it can be pretty daunting, but just little things I can do, I reckon I can start ticking off a few rehab things, getting back and trying to get involved with the team,” he said.
The 33-year-old hopes to stay around Melbourne Football Club and help the forward line where possible during the second half of the season.
