Ipswich Force NBL1 North player Grace George returns to the court after suffering horrific leg injury while playing the Gold Coast Rollers

Footage has captured the emotional moment a semi-professional basketball player returned to court for the first time since a life-threatening injury landed her in hospital. See the vision here

Footage has captured the emotional moment Ipswich Force basketball player Grace George returned to court for the first time since a life-threatening injury landed her in hospital.

The young talent was rushed into surgery after an on-court accident occured during an NBL1 match against the Gold Coast Rollers.

George has since undergone three life-saving vascular surgeries on top of 100 stitches and four blood transfusions.

As their final home game of the season, the Force dedicated their round 16 match to George, labelling it the 'Grace George home game' on Sunday July 16.

In a heartwarming court-side reunion with teary teammates, George made her first appearance at the Ipswich Basketball Stadium since her injury. 

Players took turns hugging George, who was wheeled in by her mother with her leg still heavily supported. 

The Force then took to Facebook to thank everyone who came to support the Grace George home game.  

EARLIER

A second-tier Australian basketballer has been rushed to hospital after suffering what has been described by an opponent as one of the worst and scariest injuries ever seen on court.

Ipswich Force player Grace George was left screaming in agony after being accidentally tripped while on a fast breakaway in the third quarter of the NBL1 North team’s Round 13 fixture against the Gold Coast Rollers on Sunday at JBS Stadium.

Her leg got caught under her body and she suffered a gruesome leg injury as a result, with players from both teams visibly distraught and forced to look away.

Grace George pictured while playing for Mackay in the NBL1 competition in 2022. Picture taken from Facebook.

Rollers player Cate Reese was on court and recounted the shocking moment.

“Originally I saw her ankle twist and I thought that looked bad but then the knee gave out,” Reese said.

“Everyone turned away. It is one of the worst injuries I have ever seen in a basketball game and it’s scary to think about.

“The medical staff rushed over and put a towel on her leg to cover it up.

“I feel for her and hope she is OK. I hope she has family who can be there for her and help her through this.

“She is obviously in a lot of pain and it’s just a freak accident.”

The Ipswich Force has been contacted for comment and while it’s understood she underwent surgery on Sunday night, the extent of George’s injuries remain unclear.

Play was stopped for nearly two hours as officials waited for an ambulance to arrive and the game, that the Rollers were leading 66-61, will be rescheduled.

Originally published as Ipswich Force NBL1 North player Grace George returns to the court after suffering horrific leg injury while playing the Gold Coast Rollers