Former Essendon player Jason Winderlich expected to make recovery from serious neck injury

Jason Winderlich wasn’t meant to be playing in the country football match where he broke his neck. Despite the long road to recovery, there is relief that the worst fears have been avoided.

Thorpdale FNC coach Jason Winderlich. Picture: Paul Amy

Jason Winderlich was not meant to be playing in the country football match that left him with a broken neck and with limited movement on the right side of his body.

Winderlich, the co-coach of Thorpdale in the Mid Gippsland Football League, decided to put on the boots after one of his players pulled out of the game against Toora on August 3.

He was severely injured when he collided with an opponent after collecting the ball in the second quarter.

Winderlich was flown to the Alfred Hospital, where that night he underwent surgery to his neck. The match was abandoned.

Winderlich suffered a horrific injury earlier this month.

Winderlich’s former Essendon teammate Andrew Welsh said the 39-year-old, who remains in the Alfred, faced a long period of rehabilitation.

“The positive is that the worst, first fears … they were pretty scary … look to have been averted and he’ll walk again,’’ Welsh said.

“But it will be a long road to recovery. He’s gone into some rehab in the last couple of days in the rehab room. He had a broken neck so he’s still got minimal feeling through his right arm and walking without assistance is very difficult. It’s going to be a long, slow process to recovery. But thankfully there is recovery.

“It is a tough time for him. Jason’s an active guy, he loves doing things and working, and being stuck on his back in hospital is difficult for him. But he knows the support of the community from the messages he’s getting and that’s helping him. Once he’s relocated to a rehabilitation facility, he’ll have a bit more freedom. He’ll get better mentally and physically.’’

Welsh said Winderlich – who played 129 AFL matches for the Dons and is married with two young daughters – was a “very caring guy’’ and popular among his teammates.

Jason Winderlich with Andrew Welsh in 2007.

“He always brought a lot of laughs when he was up and about, which was a lot of the time,’’ he said. “So to see him on his back and everything he’s going through is difficult for everyone. But if anyone is going to work their way through it and be able to get back fighting after a long rehab, it’s him.’’

Welsh said it was tremendous that Winderlich had returned to Thorpdale, where he played senior football at the age of 15.

His father, Speedy, played in the Blues’ 1976 premiership team.

Winderlich went back to the club to play a few games in 2022 and was appointed co-senior coach with childhood friend Ray Pickering last year.

Thorpdale rose from 12th to the preliminary final, falling to eventual premier Fish Creek.

Thorpdale co-president Keith Pickering said Winderlich had not been named in the team to meet Toora but chose to play when the ruckman withdrew from the side.

“He pulled out crook, so Jason filled in for him,’’ Pickering said.

“He can only play one game a month. His body doesn’t let him play more than that.’’

He said Winderlich had brought professionalism to the club and his profile made it easier to recruit players.

Welsh started a GoFundMe page to support Winderlich and his family, disclosing that his injury included damage to the spinal cord.

Essendon quickly kicked in with a $10,000 donation.

GoFundMe: SUPPORT JASON HERE

The Bombers have sent their support to the Winderlich family. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We know his determination and love for his family will drive his recovery process, however Jason’s main concern is that Katie, Sierra and Ava are supported through this very difficult period,’’ the page said.

“Jason is currently receiving treatment at the Alfred hospital while he waits to be transferred to a rehab facility.

“Ongoing medical costs and adjustments at home and his workplace will need to be made to allow the family to navigate through the next stage of their lives.’’

A Toora player received a six-match suspension over the incident.

After a Mid Gippsland league investigation, he was called up to the tribunal to face a charge of making high contact with Winderlich.

Both clubs and the umpires provided statements to the league.

No report was made on the day but the non-officiating umpire awarded Winderlich a free kick.

There’s still a long road to recovery for Winderlich. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

An emotional Toora coach Jack Weston said after the match that his club’s thoughts were with the former Bomber and his family.

“We have absolutely everything crossed that there’s a positive outcome for him,’’ he said.

Winderlich played his last game for Essendon in 2015 and had stints at Traralgon and Mirboo North before returning to Thorpdale.

In a statement to this masthead, Essendon said it had been in regular contact with the Winderlichs “to support and assist Jason in any way possible’’.

“Jason is a valued member of the Essendon family, and we are committed to providing him with our support during this challenging time.

“Our thoughts remain with Jason and his family as they navigate this difficult period.

“The Winderlich family thanks the AFL community for their messages and support during this time and request privacy as Jason focuses on his recovery going forward.’’

Originally published as Former Essendon player Jason Winderlich expected to make recovery from serious neck injury