Popular SA sports figure Timmy Russell injured in freak off-field incident at SANFL game

A beloved SA footy and baseball figure is facing a long road to recovery after a freak off-field incident at an SANFL game on the weekend.

Volunteer Tim Russell and Adelaide Bite Baseball player LeDarious Clark at West Beach baseball stadium. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

A popular SA footy and baseball figure is facing a long road to recovery after a freak off-field incident at an SANFL game on the weekend.

Woodville West Torrens Football Club backroom team member Timmy Russell suffered a fall during an SANFL game on the weekend and received multiple injuries requiring surgery.

WWT chief executive David Couzner addressed members in a statement on Monday night with an update of what we called a “distressing incident”.

Mr Couzner said Mr Russell was treated onsite by the club’s medical team before being transported to the hospital.

Woodville West Torrens Football Club backroom team member Timmy Russell with the premiership trophy. Picture: Facebook

“Following the first quarter break, Timmy unfortunately tripped in the visitors’ race and sustained a serious compound fracture to his left leg, along with a dislocated and damaged shoulder,” he said.

Mr Couzner said Mr Russell was treated onsite by the club’s medical team before being transported to the hospital.

“Timmy underwent surgery last night and, sadly, faces several more procedures in the coming days to repair both his shoulder and his leg,” he said.

“On behalf of everyone at the Woodville West Torrens Football Club, we send our love and best wishes to Timmy for a full and strong recovery. We will be right behind him every step of the way.”

Volunteer Tim Russell and Adelaide Bite Baseball player LeDarious Clark. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Woodville West Torrens’ senior sides travelled to Unley Oval on Saturday to take on Sturt with the Double Blues winning the league clash by 124 points.

Mr Russell has been a part of the Woodville West Torrens family for over 20 years and is also a beloved figure in SA baseball.

The Adelaide Giants Baseball Club volunteer has an intellectual disability but is at every game without fail.

He has served as the team’s bat boy since the Giants’ – then known as the Bite – inception in 2010.

“Timmy is a staple of Giants games, the number one bat boy in the league, a smiling force and a key part of our dugout,” the club posted on social media.

“Be strong, Timmy! We love you.”

Originally published as Popular SA sports figure Timmy Russell injured in freak off-field incident at SANFL game