Rallying to help a club stalwart
THE Geelong cricket community is rallying behind a club stalwart whose life was forever changed when he crashed into a fallen tree in May.
Former Newcomb Cricket Club president and life member Tony “Suey” Sudale kicked 100 goals for his local footy club in his heyday and has dedicated his life to championing grassroots sport.
Now, he faces an uncertain future.
Mr Sudale was travelling from a club function to Peterborough in May when he struck a fallen tree on Timboon Rd in wet, windy conditions.
The freak accident left him seriously injured and he was flown to the Austin Hospital where he underwent 15 hours of spinal fusion surgery and spent four days in an induced coma.
The dairy farm worker feared he would never walk again and spent weeks enduring challenging rehabilitation in Melbourne.
Mr Sudale will receive compensation from the Transport Accident Commission, but his cricket mates are determined to offer financial and emotional support to their long-term friend in any way they can.
“I’m still doing rehabilitation now. After I got out of the Austin I contracted a virus and had to go to Geelong ICU for five days. Now I feel useless and lack energy,” he said.
“The doctor who did the surgery was quite emphatic that I’ll never go back to work on a dairy farm again.”
Mr Sudale said the extent of injuries mean he could be susceptible to paralysis if he sustains another back injury.
He is currently living with his sister, but Newcomb Cricket Club president Brendan Sheedy is spearheading a community fundraiser to help bring Suey home.
Mr Sudale, who is humbled by his mates’ efforts, said the club had provided major support during a challenging two months.
“It’s really good of them — but there are a people who are a lot worse (off) than me,” Mr Sudale said. “We’ve always been a close club — we’ve got behind each other if there is someone who needed help.
“I am embarrassed … but if the shoe was on the other foot and someone else needed help, I’d do the same thing.”
Mr Sheedy said club members wanted to help Mr Sudale find new accommodation because his previous home was linked to his work.
“He lives for the club and has been a part of Newcomb for 40 years,” Mr Sheedy said.
“All the cricket clubs and football club are getting behind him. Everyone was pretty shocked by the accident.
“We just want to help him establish himself.” The fundraiser will be held at Newcomb Football Club on Sunday, July 22, from 1-5pm.