Calls for mandatory helmets for footy players after dad’s shock brain trauma

The devastated partner of a Melbourne tradie who suffered a horror head injury during a footy match wants helmets to be mandatory at all levels.

The devastated partner of a Melbourne man who suffered severe brain trauma from a head knock during a local footy match wants helmets to become mandatory at all levels of football.

Yarrambat tradie Daniel Langborne, 28, was playing for Lalor football club in July when an accidental elbow to the head in a marking contest knocked him unconscious.

Emergency crews rushed Mr Langborne to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and placed him in an induced coma for five days after he was unresponsive on the field following the blow.

His brain suffered severe bleeding, bruising and swelling, and doctors subsequently diagnosed him with post-traumatic amnesia — a condition in which he has continued short-term memory loss, which could last for months.

At the time of the accident, Mr Langborne and his partner, Chelsea Lionello, were celebrating the arrival of daughter Rosie, who was just seven weeks old at the time.

Chelsea Lionello is pushing for all footballers to wear helmets to protect themselves. . Picture: David Caird

Daniel Langborne being treated in hospital after his head knock.

“I am heartbroken for him, in so many ways. It is supposed to be the happiest time of our lives with a newborn and he won’t remember it,” Ms Lionello said.

“He’s just 28 and left with a brain injury. He was a vegetable for five days, all for a game of local footy.

“The Daniel I was with before the accident is not going to be the Daniel who comes home to me. Our lives will never be the same.”

Ms Lionello is calling for helmets to be mandated across Victorian footy leagues.

“I want everyone to consider wearing a helmet. It should be compulsory. I don’t know that it would have prevented the damage for Daniel altogether, but his injury wouldn’t have been as bad as what it was if he was wearing a helmet.

“I’ve essentially become a single parent overnight, I don’t wish this upon anyone.”

Daniel, Chelsea and their newborn daughter, Rosie. Picture: Catherine Elise Photography

Mr Langborne is slowly recovering in hospital and his family hopes a bed at the Austin’s Royal Talbot rehabilitation centre will soon become available and that they will qualify for the NDIS.

“It is a very long process, it could be months, if not years,” Ms Lionello said.

“There are some moments where he hasn’t recognised his daughter or me and he will potentially miss months of his child’s life.

“It is really hard for us, emotionally. I have to be strong but sometimes at night time, when I am alone, I break down. The doctors have said he is recovering well and his brain will heal as best as it can, when it can. It is devastating.”

An online fundraiser has been set up to help the young family with medical costs.

Originally published as Calls for mandatory helmets for footy players after dad’s shock brain trauma