Melbourne key forward Brody Mihocek has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a broken neck in the King's Birthday clash against Collingwood earlier this month, revealing he feared he would never walk again.
Mihocek's harrowing ordeal
The 33-year-old required neck surgery after being crushed in a tackle by former teammate Billy Frampton during the June 7 match at the MCG. The incident halted play for 10 minutes as medical staff attended to him. Mihocek, a 2023 Collingwood premiership player, was able to walk after surgery but has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
“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 told Melbourne's website on Wednesday. “I remember yelling out and saying that I needed some help, I had some trainers come up straight away, and then the doctors.”
He described the initial moments as “pretty scary” but noted that feeling gradually returned to his hips, legs, and arms. “I knew obviously I had done something pretty bad, but to have feeling back was the main thing for me, and I knew I was in good hands with the doctors and the support crew on the day.”
Thoughts turned to worst-case scenario
Mihocek admitted his mind immediately went to the worst possible outcome. “Obviously your thoughts go to, ‘I’m not going to be able to walk for the rest of my life’,” he said. “I think I played out scenarios in my head pretty quickly of what life would be like, and what life would be like with a family as well.”
He credited the calmness of those around him for helping him stay composed. “It would have been pretty traumatising for a few, but I think I held myself together pretty well.”
Recovery and support
Mihocek said he is still coming to terms with the injury but is grateful for the support he has received. “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 said. “To think of what could have been at the time, I’m pretty thankful to just be up and walking and talking as well.”
He will wear a neck brace for another six weeks, followed by six more weeks of “pretty minimal movement.” Despite the setback, he remains focused on his rehabilitation and contributing to the team. “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.
Tribunal outcome
Frampton initially received a three-match ban for the tackle but had it overturned at the AFL tribunal. Mihocek is determined to stay positive and help his teammates however he can. “Just to be around the club, it’ll help with my mental state and I know the guys appreciate what I can bring to the team as well, so I’ll just be in and around the club and trying to do my best.”
