Ex-Cat’s sister fights for life
COLLINGWOOD star and former Cats player Travis Varcoe has rushed to Adelaide to be at the side of his sister, Margaret, who is fighting for her life after a sickening collision during a women’s grand final.
SA Health has confirmed a 27-year-old female is in a critical condition after being rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital during the division 2 Adelaide Footy League decider between Angle Vale and Mount Lofty at Thebarton Oval on Sunday. Ms Varcoe, an Angle Vale player, was hospitalised after an accidental collision with a teammate during the game.
Angle Vale officials would not comment, but Mount Lofty secretary Johanna Paddick told News Corp the incident was traumatic for all who witnessed it.
Paddick said the game was stopped for about 10 minutes while the woman was attended to.
“I did see it, but it was right over the other side of the oval,” Paddick said. “It was just terrible and very distressing.
“It’s a terrible injury and both teams’ runners helped get her off the ground. We wish her all the best. It’s not what we want to see happen, ever.”
In a statement, the Adelaide Footy League said Varcoe was conscious and able to leave the field after the collision. The league said she collapsed in the change rooms and received immediate treatment before being rushed to hospital by ambulance.
The other Angle Vale player involved in the collision suffered a fractured cheekbone.
Mount Lofty won the grand final, 5.4 (34) to Angle Vale 2.7 (19).
Collingwood said yesterday Varcoe was back in Adelaide this week with his family.
A Pies spokesman said the club’s thoughts were with Varcoe and his family.
Collingwood does not play until Saturday week against West Coast in Perth so there is no pressing need to consider his availability.