The old Jack (almost) back
IT might look fairly tame, but this light walk at Geelong Falcons’ training last night was a significant step forward for Jack Grigsby.
Only days ago, the 17-yearold was yet to regain his longterm memory after an adverse reaction to a concussion suffered against Bendigo on June 18.
The frightening aftermath was abundantly clear last Thursday night — four days after the collision — when he could not identify any of his coaches, teammates, his past injury history or even the club he played for.
His recollection of key people and major life events was also sketchy at best in the days after the incident.
But, almost overnight this week, about “90 per cent” of his long-term memory returned and a follow-up specialist appointment was so positive he was given the medical all-clear to start light duties last night.
He will remain sidelined indefinitely, pending further medical advice.
Falcons coach Danny O’Keefe, who has been in almost daily contact with Grigsby’s mother Kaylene, said the past 48 hours had provided a breakthrough after a traumatic week for the family.
“Overnight this week, all of a sudden he started recalling longer-term memories, which is just terrific, because it was fairly non-existent for a week since the incident,” O’Keefe said. “They’re saying it’s about 90 per cent back. He understands who all his work colleagues are and his teammates, which is an amazing turnaround.
“The last couple of days have been really good, to the point where we’re catching up tonight (last night) with the view to do some walking and light running around the oval.”
Grigsby was taken to hospital in Bendigo last weekend with initial fears of a neck injury after the incident at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The young Geelong West Giant and Bannockburn product was cleared of neck and spinal damage but remained under observation for several days with amnesia and neck pain.
There was nothing sinister or unusual about the collision.
“To be honest, it’s really surprised me how quickly he’s recovered in the past few days,” O’Keefe said.
“It’s happened out of nowhere and he’s now capable of coming to training and interacting with his teammates to the point of even potentially getting out there on the track for a bit, which is fantastic.
“If you had asked me two or three days ago if that would happen, I’d have said it was a real long shot, so it’s been a dramatic turnaround.
“I’m really excited and pleased, not only for him, but for Kaylene and his family, who have been through a bit in the last week and a half.”