A local Melbourne footballer remains in an induced coma after suffering serious head and eye injuries during a game last Saturday, July 20.
St Kevin’s Old Boys Football Club defender Michael Pisker was courageously running back with the flight of the ball during his side’s VAFA clash with Melbourne University Blues in wet and slippery conditions when his face collided with an opposition player’s legs.
The game was stopped and club medical staff rushed out to him while they waited for paramedics to arrive.
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Footage of the incident has since been deleted from the league’s website, such was its graphic nature.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Pisker’s medical bills and living expenses while he recovers.
At the time of publication, the fundraiser had already raised a whopping $120,000 of its $300,000 goal.
The fundraiser’s organiser, and Michael’s mother, Alexandra Pisker, said Michael suffered “two traumas to his head”.
“Michael is 26 years old and widely considered one of the most talented footballers in the competition,” the page says.
“Michael is a kind and loyal friend to all on and off the field. His booming left foot, fierce determination to win the ball and courageous play define him.
“Currently, Michael is in an induced coma in the intensive care unit of the Alfred Hospital. The medical team have provided Michael with the most amazing care, compassion, professionalism, expertise and love.”
When Michael wakes up, he will learn the devastating news that he will never see out of his right eye again.
“Michael faces significant challenges ahead with multiple surgeries to rebuild and manage the resultant damage to his head and eye,” the fundraising page went on.
“Sadly, it has already been confirmed that Michael will not regain vision in his right eye.
“We are still assessing how much surgery and rehabilitation will be required. We expect it to be significant. It is also anticipated that Michael will need to take substantial time off from his work as he enters an intensive period of rehabilitation.
“Michael is dearly loved by his family and his friends and have chosen to initiate this fundraising to assist with the upcoming costs. We have been very touched by the outpouring of support and concern for Michael’s situation.
The president of SKOBFC released an official club statement the day after Michael’s shocking injury.
He thanked club doctor Kim Whelan and senior trainer Maddy McCavana for their immediate medical attention.
“The medical team did an incredible job until assistance arrived from paramedics,” Patrick Mount said in the statement.
“A long road of recovery is ahead and the club and family sincerely appreciate the well wishes of support from VAFA HQ, the umpires, University Blues, fellow VAFA clubs and the wider SKOBFC community.
“Michael is one of the most popular, talented and courageous players at the club and we are fully committed to assisting him in his recovery and rehabilitation. Our thoughts are with Michael, his mum Alexandra, his sister Maria and girlfriend Sasha at this point in time.
“We kindly ask that the privacy of the family be respected during this difficult time.”
You can donate to Michael Pisker here.