Former footy star Ian Callinan returns home as recovery starts from stroke

The family of Adelaide Crows favourite and Tassie-born Ian ‘Wingnut’ Callinan has broken their silence after his shock stroke at only 37 years old.

• Former Adelaide Crows favourite and SANFL premiership star Ian Callinan in hospital after suffering a stroke
• Callinan hang up the boots after a stellar 17 seasons

A HOLE in the heart may have been the cause behind the stroke for former star footballer Ian Callinan that has rocked the Tasmanian sporting community.

Callinan, 37, is recovering at home with his family, wife Lauren, and children, but faces rehabilitation and possibly surgery after suffering the stroke last Thursday.

He had been having blackouts six weeks prior to his stroke, but was checked and cleared of any cardio or neurological issues before this episode.

In a statement to the Mercury from the family, they said were shocked when Callinan – who played for OHA in the Old Scholars the previous Saturday kicking four goals – fell ill rushing the former Adelaide Crow to Calvary Hospital before he was transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Doctors believe the healthy, young footy player had a hole in the heart and it may have brought on his stroke. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Ian is a very fit, healthy young man with none of the normal risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc.) so the hospital staff performed many additional tests to find the cause,” the statement said.

“The allied health team from the hospital started working with him straight away with physio, speech therapy, fine motor skills and getting him moving.

“He is taking things slowly, one day at a time and giving this 100 per cent.

“A scan yesterday indicated that a hole in the heart is the likely cause of the stroke, which will require some further treatment soon.

“He is home now, still very tired and resting and that’ll continue for a while.

“Being at home will give him the time he needs to rest and increase his incidental activity which are both very important.”

TSL footy star Ian Callinan has hung up the boots, announcing his retirement from football. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

The family has been inundated with well wishes from former Devils, Mariners, Clarence, OHA, Central District and Adelaide Crows teammates and opponents as well as those Tasmanians who followed Callinan’s career as he preserved year after year to finally earn an AFL debut as a 28-year-old.

Former Crows teammate Josh Jenkins posted on Twitter:

“My absolute best wishes to one of my favourite teammates @callinan37 + his wife Lauren and kids.

“Pulling hard for you Cocky. Look forward to buying you another of those disgusting Bourbon & Cokes you love so dearly!”

The family were overwhelmed with the support.

“Ian and Lauren and their families would like to thank everyone for their love and support, it has been quite overwhelming and very very much appreciated,” the statement said.

“His journey to recovery starts now and Lauren and the kids plan to play a really active role in that recovery.”

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