FAMILY COMES BEFORE FOOTY FOR STANNARD
WITH dried blood clogging his right ear, James Stannard took slow steps for 40m before opening up to media about the heartbreak of missing out on the Commonwealth Games after being coward punched.
But even in his sullen state, the Australian rugby sevens captain could appreciate the bigger picture.
“I’ll get over it,” Stannard said. “Football is just a small part of your life. I’ve got a family and something to go to after football.
“That’s more important than footy. I’m just glad I’m here to enjoy those moments with them. The Comm Games is a very small thing.
“Maybe now (it is hard to take), but further down the track it doesn’t mean as much as family does.”
Stannard was able to return home on Sunday to join wife Kim and twins Layla and Zara.
His cautious few steps on to Hitchcock Park in Avalon yesterday afternoon told the story.
“I’m pretty sluggish to be honest, that’s the longest walk I’ve had since I got out of hospital,” Stannard said.
British national Sam Oliver, 22, has been charged with assault over the alleged attack in the early hours of Friday and will face Waverley Local Court on April 19.
How does Stannard feel about coward punchers?
“I think the same as everyone, it’s not on,” he said.
The result could have been so much worse for Stannard, who was reportedly unconscious before he struck the pavement after being punched in the back of the head.