NEWTOWN & Chilwell veteran Daniel Goodwin has been cleared of any spinal damage following an accidental collision with an opponent in yesterday’s GFL reserves match against Bell Park at Hamlyn Park.
Goodwin, who was on the comeback trail from injury, is recovering in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after fracturing his C6 and C7 vertebrae.
The 31-year-old has avoided surgery but looks set to spend an extended period of time in a neck brace.
Eagles president Shaun McWilliam has told krockfootball.com.au Goodwin had possession of the ball early in the third quarter and tried to duck under the tackle of an opponent when the incident occurred.
“My understanding is it was just a pure accident, that’s how he plays,” McWilliam said.
“When he stayed down we were all pretty worried because he usually gets up pretty quickly.
“We knew something was wrong and everyone stepped into action.”
McWilliam said Goodwin experienced some numbness in his right arm, which raised some concerns.
“But from that moment he had movement and feeling pretty much straight away in all limbs,” McWilliam said.
“He also had a loss of feeling in two fingers, which everyone was a bit worried about.”
Goodwin was stabilised on the ground, under the supervision of a doctor, before being placed in a neck collar and stretchered from the ground.
He was first taken to Geelong Hospital via ambulance before being transferred to the Alfred.
“We were actually very lucky there was an orthopaedic surgeon – who specialises from shoulders up – in the crowd at the time,” McWilliam said.
“And ours and Bell Park’s trainers were fantastic as well.
“He was taken pretty good care of.”
McWilliam said the club will provide updates, with Goodwin’s family asking for privacy in the coming days.
Last Modified on 21/07/2017 19:50