Michael Pisker undergoes surgery after horror collision in VAFA game

A fundraiser has been launched to help support a Melbourne local footballer who has been left blind in one eye and faces a long road to recovery after a horror collision. Here’s how you can help.

St Kevins Michael Pisker. Picture: Andy Brownbill

A Victorian Amateur Football Association star remains in an induced coma after a horror collision.

St Kevin’s Old Boy’s (SKOB) gun Michael Pisker, 26, “suffered two traumas to the head” during the incident against University Blues on Saturday, July 20.

He has seen been placed in an induced coma at the Alfred Hospital’s intensive care unit and it has been confirmed he will not regain vision in his right eye.

A fundraiser has since started to help Pisker with his recovery with over $96,000 raised at the time of writing.

“The medical team have provided Michael with the most amazing care, compassion, professionalism, expertise and love,” the fundraiser page said.

“Michael faces significant challenges ahead with multiple surgeries to rebuild and manage the resultant damage to his head and eye.

“We are still assessing how much surgery and rehabilitation will be required. We expect it to be significant.

“It is also anticipated that Michael will need to take substantial time off from his work as he enters an intensive period of rehabilitation.”

Pisker is well regarded across the competition by his own club and opposition teams.

“Michael is 26 years old and widely considered one of the most talented footballers in the competition,” the fundraiser page reads.

“Michael is a kind and loyal friend to all on and off the field. His booming left foot, fierce determination to win the ball and courageous play define him.

“Michael is dearly loved by his family and his friends and have chosen to initiate this fundraising to assist with the upcoming costs.

“We have been very touched by the outpouring of support and concern for Michael’s situation.

“All donations received will go directly to covering medical bills, subsequent rehabilitation costs and assist with day-to-day expenses whilst he is unable to work.”

You can donate to Pisker here.

EARLIER

A Victorian Amateur Football Association player remains in hospital after suffering a horror facial injury in an accidental collision on Saturday.

St Kevin’s Old Boy’s (SKOB) star Michael Pisker collided with the legs of a University Blues opponent during the Premier Men’s game as he slid for a mark in wet and wild conditions during the third quarter.

The incident, which was caught on camera, immediately caused the runner in the frame to turn away shocked by what he had seen.

In a statement SKOB president Patrick Mount said Pisker was taken to the Alfred Hospital for surgery on “significant” eye and head injuries.

He thanked club doctor Kim Whelan, trainer Maddy McCavana and the wider medical team for the care they had shown Pisker following the incident.

“Michael is one of the most popular, talented and courageous players at the club and we are fully committed to assisting him in his recovery and rehabilitation,” Mount said in the statement.

“A long road to recovery is ahead and the club (and) family sincerely appreciate the well wishes of support from VAFA HQ, the umpires, University Blues, fellow VAFA clubs and the wider SKOBFC community.

“The medical team did an incredible job until assistance arrived from paramedics.”

SKOB’s X account, formerly Twitter, labelled Pisker as “courageous” during its live coverage of the game.

“Pisker hurt in a courageous act going with the flight … blood pouring.. that looked nasty … play has stopped,” the club said.

St Kevin’s eventually went onto win the game 7.6 (48) to 3.7 (25) in some of the toughest conditions seen all season.

Pisker’s teammate Shaun Kennedy was injured in the second term meaning SKOB finished the game with two players on the bench.

Pisker has played 91 games for St Kevin’s since joining in 2017 when he was still in the under-19s, making his senior debut a year later.