Former burns victim Tim Aloisi the first amateur footballer to kick 100 goals this year
SEVEN years ago, doctors were unsure if Tim Aloisi would play football again after suffering second-degree burns to 25 per cent of his body in a freak accident. Now he’s booted 100 goals in a season.
TIM Aloisi still counts himself lucky to be alive.
Seven years ago, doctors were unsure if Aloisi would play football again after suffering second-degree burns to 25 per cent of his body in a freak accident working as a gyprocker.
He had just come down from the ceiling of a building when a gas explosion hurled a missile of flames across a kitchen he was helping to install.
Returning to the field that year helped him battle post-traumatic stress disorder and Aloisi kicked the winning goal in a preliminary final loss for the now-defunct Paralowie, wearing a body suit – just three months after his accident.
On Saturday, the full-forward – now with division six club Brahma Lodge – became the first amateur league player to boot 100 goals this season and the fifth in any SA senior competition.
“A lot of people thought I was crazy (returning to football) but I just wanted to do what I loved and needed to move on in life,” Aloisi, 28, says.
“I was suffering pretty bad so I saw a psychologist and once we got talking, he probably realised footy and sport was something that got me positive.
“It would’ve been really easy to pull the pin on it all ... so I’m glad I stuck with it.
“I had a couple of tough years where I wasn’t playing as good as I really wanted to but the body is starting to feel a lot better now.
“Goal-wise and personally, this has been my best (season) ... because I’ve never kicked a hundred before.”
Aloisi, of Munno Para West, has kicked at least two goals in each game this year.
His best haul was nine against Mawson Lakes in June, while he kicked three in the Tigers’ qualifying final loss to Woodville South on August 13.
The 170cm pocket rocket puts his form down to an open forward line and being able to play one match for Glenelg’s reserves last year after being recommended by Bays veteran Clint Alleway – a friend from greyhound racing circles.
Aloisi kicked two goals and was named among the best for Glenelg but returned to Brahma Lodge after injuring his groin the following week.
“I learnt a lot out there and think I benefited a lot, even though I was only there a short period of time.”
Aloisi’s burns – to both arms, both legs and his face – are healed.
Mental scars, including occasional flashbacks, are also disappearing.
“Early on it was a lot of bad dreams and nightmares but the last few years it’s not anywhere near as bad.
“It’s still there but life’s moved on and I’ve put it behind me and just worry about the good things.”