THE AFL community is rallying behind a junior Mount Gambier footballer who suffered a life-threatening skull fracture during a game on the weekend.
Jacob Ireland, 13, was airlifted from Mount Gambier after being hit in the head by another player’s knee, which resulted in a “severe” depressed skull fracture.
The drama unfolded during the Under 14 clash at Blue Lake Sports Park on the weekend.
Adelaide Crows players Cam Ellis-Yolman and Myles Poholke – who are both recovering from injuries themselves – yesterday visited the youngster at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
They talked about all things footy and recovering from injury.
Jacob’s mum Heidi Ireland described the medical care given to Jacob as “incredible”.
Explaining he was now on the road to recovery, she described the incident as “horrific”.
“We did not know whether it would be a good outcome when it happened. Jacob was barely conscious and he had a big dent in his head,” Ms Ireland said.
While Jacob would have to put his playing days on the backburner this year, she said he hopes to return to the football field next season.
Mount Gambier orthopaedic surgeon Barney McCusker attributed Jacob’s recovery to expertise in the state’s health system.
He said paramedics, doctors at Mount Gambier Hospital and the specialised care at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital all attributed to Jacob’s journey to recovery.
“Jacob obviously sustained a serious injury, which was identified and the ambulance was called immediately, which cared for him expertly,” Mr McCusker said.
“They took him to Mount Gambier Hospital where he was seen absolutely efficiently and underwent CT scans. They rang Adelaide to see them online and an air ambulance (RFDS) was called.”
Mr McCusker said Jacob’s care was then overseen by leading neurosurgeons.
“He was taken to the theatre that night – he had a very large depressed fracture, which was reconstructed,” he said.
He said the youngster was now recovering well and his case was a prime example of the state’s “good health system”.
“The child had a serious injury, he has had expert treatment all the way along and he has made a remarkable recovery.”
Meanwhile, Mr McCusker thanked the AFL “football family” who had come out to support the Mount Gambier footballer.
“I have already had Jason Dunstall and Danny (Spud) Frawley sending Jacob notes and a picture. Interestingly, Jason had a depressed skull fracture during his playing days,” the prominent surgeon said.
“The Crows had pictures with Jacob yesterday who is an Essendon supporter. AFL great Kevin Sheedy will also send him a picture and a note.”
Jacob is expected to be released from hospital today, but will remain in Adelaide for some time so doctors can monitor his progress.
