Port Noarlunga’s Paul Randall returns to footy field five years after being told he never would
Doctors told Port Noarlunga footballer Paul Randall he would never play football again. But five years later, he’s defied the odds.
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Port Noarlunga footballer Paul Randall’s world caved in five years ago when doctors told him he would never play again.
Randall had suffered a horrific strike to the eye from an opposition player during a Southern Football League A grade semi-final.
Now Randall had not only been cleared by doctors to play but lined up in the A grade with the Cockledivers against Aldinga last Saturday.
The 10.15 (75) to 2.4 (16) victory was the first time the 28-year-old had featured with the A grade in 1777 days and came after four solid matches with the club’s reserves.
Port Noarlunga coach Clint Howes said Randall’s return was great.
“For us as a footy club it was massive,’’ Howes said.
“He played really well and didn’t look out of place at all. We didn’t push him and it was great to have him back.’’
Speaking before playing with the A grade last weekend, Randall said he was still a bit hazy on what happened to him in the 2014 semi-final against Flagstaff Hill at Aldinga Oval.
But he said it was a scary time.
“I tackled a player and he sort of didn’t like it and lashed out and hit me in the eye,’’ Randall said.
“I came off the ground and sat on the bench and then in the rooms at half-time I found I was bleeding from the nose so was taken to Noarlunga Hospital, then to Flinders Hospital where I eventually had surgery.
“I had what they called Orbital Fracture Repair where they scraped bones from my ribs to help repair my fractured right eye. It was pretty full on.
“At that time the doctors told me I couldn’t play again as something behind my eye was damaged.
“I was shattered as I had played footy since Year 2.
“For the next three months I was pretty much bedridden, mainly from the soreness and pain from my ribs where I now have a scar.
“It was tough not working in my carpentry job and I was a leading hand but couldn’t do much about that.’’
Randall said life was hard at times with his stress levels fluctuating as he wondered if he would ever get better.
“I missed footy and the boys so approached Clint (coach) Howes late last year about the possibility of coming back and the reaction of Clint and teammates was very welcoming.
“The club has been fantastic for me.
“They held a fundraiser and helped with medical and other costs.’’
