Geelong Advertiser

Tony gets a little help from friends

- JACOB GRAMS

A TON of support from cricket and footy mates is bound to set Tony ‘Suey’ Sudale up for the next stage of his life after spinal fusion surgery.

Around 100 supporters of the grassroots sport advocate raised more than $4000 at Newcomb Football Club yesterday after an auction and an afternoon of laughs, music and a few tall stories.

The former Newcomb Cricket Club president and life member spent four days in an induced coma after injuries suffered when he struck a tree travelling to a club function in Peterborou­gh in May.

The dairy farm worker also spent time in intensive care after surgery and a challengin­g rehabilita­tion regimen in Melbourne.

Newcomb Cricket Club president Brendan Sheedy said it was unbelievab­le to see so many people turn up to help a legend of the cricket and footy community.

“It was fantastic. All his old footy mates rocked up and his cricket mates, a lot of life members from the Newcomb Bulls,” he said. “He was a bit embarrasse­d about it all.

“He got up and had a speech and he was overwhelme­d. He was close to tears about how fantastic it was.”

Mr Sheedy said he hoped it would help Mr Sudale, who is currently living with family, to set himself up in Newcomb.

“It means that he’s got his four weeks rent in advance and his bond for when he wants to establish himself back in Newcomb,” he said.

 ?? Pictures: ALAN BARBER ?? SUPPORT: Tony Sudale, front right, with cricket and footy mates at a fundraiser held for him at Newcomb Football Club yesterday.
Pictures: ALAN BARBER SUPPORT: Tony Sudale, front right, with cricket and footy mates at a fundraiser held for him at Newcomb Football Club yesterday.
 ??  ?? Newcomb Cricket Club president Brendan Sheedy with Tony Sudale and Karen Clissold at yesterday’s fundraiser.
Newcomb Cricket Club president Brendan Sheedy with Tony Sudale and Karen Clissold at yesterday’s fundraiser.

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