Brendan Fevola kicks eight goals and leads Sandown to victory despite back injury

HE struggled with a back injury but former AFL spearhead Brendan Fevola still kicked eight goals in his one-off outing for Sandown in the Southern Football League

Brendan Fevola flat on his sore back after a marking contest.

HE’D pinched a nerve in his back last Thursday and Brendan Fevola was in no great shape to make his much-publicised cameo appearance for the Sandown Cobras.

He could barely walk, let alone run.

But on the Fev show had to go, and the colourful former AFL spearhead took his place in the Sandown team against Lyndale last Saturday in front of what club long-tooths said was the biggest crowd seen at Edinburgh Reserve.

And despite his back problems Fevola conjured a fairytale finish to the match. His eighth goal with two minutes left put the Cobras two points in front and it held on for its first victory of the season, by four points.

Brendan Fevola has a high-five for Sandown teammate Jamie Proctor.

Spectators converged on him as soon as the siren went, eager for a happy-snap. He obliged everyone who pointed a camera at him. He’s been out of the AFL for a few years, but his popularity and ability to please a crowd haven’t diminished.

Wearing the No 25 jumper and orange boots, Fevola did no more than shuffle around the forward line in the first quarter.

It was quickly apparent to spectators that he was carrying an injury (he’d confirmed it at the pre-match lunch, which took in the official opening of Sandown’s new social club).

A free kick brought him a goal, and at quarter time a female Cobras trainer worked on his lower back. Fevola grimaced in pain as she did so.

But he booted five goals in the second term, one a cheapie from a teammate in the goal square, the other from strong marks. Sandown only had to kick the ball high to him at the top of the square to make him a threat.

At half time he gulped down some painkillers and coffee and slowly made his way back on to the ground.

There was another goal for him in the third quarter and his eighth and last in the final term carried the Cobras over the line as they hustled home with the wind.

“The cake was made and we just had to put the icing on it,’’ he told Southern FM radio a few minutes after the game.

“It was a great day. The boys have put on a great show and hopefully the crowd enjoyed it.’’

Brendan Fevola flat on his sore back after a marking contest.

Fevola said of his injury: “I actually hit a nerve in my back and had muscular damage on Thursday. So yesterday I was crawling around the house and couldn’t walk. I was nearly going to pull out today.

“I couldn’t move and had to get a jab. I’ve got about four valiums in my body and about 800 Panadeine Fortes. I had a rub-down before the game and I literally couldn’t get off the rub-down bench.

“I struggled pretty much all day but when a club puts on a day like today you’ve got to get out here and suck it up. I couldn’t move too well but luckily enough I kicked a few, which is good.’’

He said his opponent, Shannon Schofield, told him he was Carlton supporter. Fevola responded: “Take it easy mate because I can’t move, so don’t run off too much.’’

Schofield said it was surreal to play on the former Blue. “I loved it. He’s a top bloke. It was a great experience.’’

Sandown 3.0, 9.4, 10.8, 14.10-94 d Lyndale 7.2, 8.4, 12.8, 13.12-90

Sandown goals: B. Fevola 8, J. Proctor 2, M. Davis, B. Reiner, A. Ritchie, L. Newton.

Best: B. Fevola, M. Uaongo, L. Newton, J. Proctor, L. Williams, J. Hewitt

Lyndale goals: D. Tormey 4, M. Babar 2, B. Tosh 2, J. Malom, T. Clappers, A. Bertucci, G. Buck, P. Ross

Best: D. Tormey, V. Rexha, B. Tosh, A. Bertucci, A. Rexhepi, M. Babar

Spectators ring Edinburgh Reserve to watch Brendan Fevola playing for Sandown Cobras against Lyndale.