Sabrina Frederick feared SAS injury could end her footy career

She’s the superwoman sticking it to the blokes on SAS Australia. But Sabrina Fredericks feared a back injury caused by one of the show’s extreme challenges could end her career.

Mitchell Johnson on SAS Australia, 2020. Picture: Nigel Wright

SAS Australia’s superwoman Sabrina Frederick has revealed she feared her AFLW footy career was under threat after she was injured jumping backwards off a cliff during one of the show’s extreme challenges.

Frederick, 24, hyperextended her back during a deadly drop where she was in a harness with the descent regulated by a teammate.

“I had to make a decision after that about whether I was going to continue on the show or not because they could only manage the pain to a certain extent while I was there,” Frederick said.

Fredericks boxing against Nick Cummins in SAS Australia. Picture: Supplied

“I kind of sucked it up, spoke to the doctor and I kept going.

“I hyperextended my back and one of the discs got jarred a little bit, but not to the extent it was bulging or anything like that. As soon as I got out I did a lot of work with my osteopath and my (Richmond) club doctor to get to a good place again.”

The Richmond AFLW player said she was surprised the Tigers allowed her to take part in the Channel 7 show.

“They took a risk by signing off on letting me do it. I really appreciate the club letting me have that experience because contractually they did not have to,” she said.

Frederick back at training with Richmond. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

“Anything I put my body in danger with, they can say no to.

“I was really lucky with that and lucky that the outcome of the injury was not too bad.”

Frederick has been the superwoman of SAS: Australia, competing on equal footing with athletes such as Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins and James Magnussen.

“Growing up I did not have that strong individual who was a female to look up to, so for me I carry that with a lot of weight,” she said.

“There are not that many people out there inspiring women to be their best and be strong and all those things.

“I am really proud to be a woman, I am really proud of who I am and of where I come from and if I can be a small part of inspiring another woman to go and achieve what she wants to achieve, then that is awesome.”

SAS: Australia concludes on Tuesday.

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