RICKY Dawson's memories of the Caloundra Panthers AFL Club up until the weekend had not been pleasant.
But that changed when the 53-year-old security guard returned on Sunday to be honoured by members and players, who presented him with $500 and free chiropractic sessions.
Mr Dawson was guarding the North St clubhouse late at night last month when three men allegedly attacked him with a brick and star picket.
The Caloundra Panthers AFL Club said thanks to Mr Dawson by presenting him with a cheque for $500 they had raised through the club.
One of the club's members, a chiropractor who wanted to remain anonymous, also offered Mr Dawson free rehab until his knee was 100%.
"I can't thank everyone enough. What they did yesterday was just fantastic ... they're great people," Mr Dawson said.
"I wasn't expecting it at all. I was very moved by the whole thing."
Mr Dawson said his recovery had been progressing nicely.
He recently had a brace taken off his knee, but he still has numbness in his face at times.
It will be at least another four weeks before he can return to work.
Panthers committee member Brad Hipwell said he admired Mr Dawson's tenacity.
"He's quite the man. I thought he'd be worse off but he's just so strong about getting himself better," Mr Hipwell said.
"The whole club is just totally in appreciation and sympathetic to what happened to him. It was a terrible thing."
Three men charged over the bashing will appear in court again on September 19.
Article published in The Sunshine Coast Daily http://m.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/08/28/afl-club-honours-guard-bashed-on-job-ricky-dawson/#.UD07dpoel_s.facebook