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Polak's playing future in doubt after tram accident
Richmond footballer Graham Polak has suspected brain injuries and his playing future is in doubt after he was hit by a tram in Melbourne last night.
Richmond says Polak's condition has improved but he remains in an induced coma at The Alfred Hospital.
Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale about 11.30pm (AEST) on Saturday when he was hit.
He was with a group of people including team-mates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon.
Ambulance officers were forced to insert a tube to assist Polak's breathing.
Club doctor Greg Hickey says the 24-year-old has suffered a brain injury and his immediate playing future is now in doubt.
"Really it's gonna depend on how he wakes up and the first couple of days," Dr Hickey said.
"Obviously he's going to be in hospital for some time.
"Hopefully he might just end up in a normal general ward, and then whether he'll need a period of rehabilitation after that in some sort of other facility I'm not sure."
However, scans on Sunday morning showed no extra swelling to Polak's brain.
"He has got bruising on the brain - initially it was of great concern. Fortunately, through the night he has improved," Dr Hickey said.
Richmond football manager Greg Miller says Polak's partner Alycle and his Tiger team-mates were told of the accident on Saturday night.
Polak's parents are due to arrive from Perth today, along with his partner's parents.
Richmond captain Kane Johnson says the accident is a shock.
* Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Not the sort of article you like to read about.
Richmond footballer Graham Polak has suspected brain injuries and his playing future is in doubt after he was hit by a tram in Melbourne last night.
Richmond says Polak's condition has improved but he remains in an induced coma at The Alfred Hospital.
Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale about 11.30pm (AEST) on Saturday when he was hit.
He was with a group of people including team-mates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon.
Ambulance officers were forced to insert a tube to assist Polak's breathing.
Club doctor Greg Hickey says the 24-year-old has suffered a brain injury and his immediate playing future is now in doubt.
"Really it's gonna depend on how he wakes up and the first couple of days," Dr Hickey said.
"Obviously he's going to be in hospital for some time.
"Hopefully he might just end up in a normal general ward, and then whether he'll need a period of rehabilitation after that in some sort of other facility I'm not sure."
However, scans on Sunday morning showed no extra swelling to Polak's brain.
"He has got bruising on the brain - initially it was of great concern. Fortunately, through the night he has improved," Dr Hickey said.
Richmond football manager Greg Miller says Polak's partner Alycle and his Tiger team-mates were told of the accident on Saturday night.
Polak's parents are due to arrive from Perth today, along with his partner's parents.
Richmond captain Kane Johnson says the accident is a shock.
* Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Not the sort of article you like to read about.
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