- AFL star to be ruled out in coming weeks due to freak injury
- The footballer suffered the brutal injury during pre-season training
Melbourne Demons ruckman Max Gawn suffered a brutal injury after fracturing his larynx during a pre-season training session.
Dee’s height is expected to be sidelined for the next two weeks before he can return to training, but he will not be able to participate in non-contact training for four more weeks after that.
Gawn is understood to have suffered a knock to the neck during a training session this week, but according to the Dees’ performance manager, Selwyn Griffith is upbeat, despite the strange nature of the injury.
“Max suffered a fractured larynx after a hit to the throat during training this week,” Griffith said.
‘As part of his recovery, Max will not be able to exercise for the next two weeks, followed by a period of non-contact training for an additional four weeks.
“Despite the setback, Max is recovering well and remains in good spirits.”
Max Gawn will be ruled out for two weeks after suffering a brutal injury on the training ground.
Gawn suffered a fractured larynx after receiving a blow to the neck during training
Gawn enjoyed a solid season in 2024, ranking seventh in the AFL in hits (714) and sixth in the league in stoppage clearances (74).
Dees’ performance boss also provided several updates on some of his injured stars, including Charlie Spargo.
After almost a year on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, the 25-year-old appears to be in good shape to return to action in 2025.
“Charlie obviously had that really frustrating year from an Achilles perspective, but he’s done an incredible job during the offseason and since he’s come back,” Griffith said.
“He is now integrated into group skills and is increasing his conditioning volume. “Our goal is to integrate him into an individualized Christmas program, with the plan for him to return to full training after Christmas.”
He also gave an upbeat report on Baley Fritsch and Christian Salem.
Both reportedly underwent minor surgeries at the end of the season and continue to return to the game.
“Christian and Bayley had arthroscopes at the end of the season,” Griffith said. “They’ve done a fantastic job during the off-season and now they’ve both integrated into full training and coped very well.”
Jake Lever (center) also had surgery on a shoulder injury during the offseason.
Jake Lever also underwent an arthroscope and shoulder surgery.
“Jake had a knee arthroscope and shoulder surgery in the offseason,” Griffith said.
‘It is non-contact from a shoulder perspective as we ensure range and strength are appropriate prior to integration.
‘His knee is doing very well and he has started running well.
“He will continue to be in a modified environment once we return from Christmas, more so from a shoulder perspective as we build his tolerance to contact training.
“We expect Jake to be fully trained by the end of January.”