EFL 2019: Matt Decler cleared of neck injury in Heathmont’s win against Mitcham
Heathmont’s EFL Division 2 clash against Mitcham had to be stopped for 30 minutes after fears popular Jets footballer Matt Decler had suffered a neck injury in a frightening incident.
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Heathmont footballer Matt Decler is expected to make a full recovery from a neck injury suffered during Saturday’s win over Mitcham.
The game was stopped for 30 minutes when Decler landed on his head in the first quarter of the EFL Division 2 clash at Walker Park.
Decler was transported to hospital but was cleared of any damage to his neck.
Heathmont coach Kyle Emley said the 2014 Norwood premiership player was relieved there was no long-term damage.
“There was a few scary moments there for a little bit and I think he was a bit fearful,” Emley said.
“For about half an hour until the ambulance came and got him set up, he was lying face down on the grass.
“We were all pretty concerned at the time.”
Emley praised Mitcham for its sportsmanship.
“The way Mitcham — players, training staff and coaches — handled that situation, and the way the umpires handled it, everyone handled it really well,” he said.
“They were patient, they came over and gave him a clap.
“That’s what local footy is all about.”
Heathmont was two wins outside the top four just a fortnight ago but now occupies fourth spot on percentage after a 19-point triumph over Mitcham.
It is 5.66 per cent clear of Templestowe ahead of a final round fixture against relegation-bound Scoresby.
The Dockers will need to account for The Basin on Saturday if they are any chance of dislodging the Jets from the top four.
Making Heathmont’s three-game winning streak more impressive is the Jets have been without their leadership group.
Co-captains Tom Rourke (foot) and Dylan Sverns (ankle) won’t play any further part this year, and vice-captain Murphy Ambrose (ankle) is also on the sidelines.
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Brent English (concussion) has also missed the past month.
Emley said the injuries had paved the way for the club’s young players to make a mark on the senior group.
Emerging talents Bailey Stevens, Cam Evans and Ayhan Bajramov have each stepped up in the Jets’ climb into the top four.
“I think we’ve played 45 players in our seniors this year … we’re just trying to get the most out of the group that we can,” Emley said.
“On the weekend we had 15 players under 21.
“If these guys are getting that exposure, it’s only going to be positive for Heathmont footy club moving forward.”
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