McKim lands in hospital
MODEWARRE’S Matt McKim faces a long stint on the sidelines after extensive bruising in his calf developed into compartment syndrome.
McKim has spent a week in hospital as a result of the painful condition, which causes a pressure build up from internal bleeding or muscle swelling.
Surgeons operated on McKim to relieve pressure in his calf after he received a knock to an existing corky during the Warriors’ clash against Ocean Grove last Saturday.
Modewarre coach Chris Hickey said the club would rally around the 20-year-old, who is a popular member of the Warriors’ senior side.
“He’s a young fella who played a lot of footy in 2019, had a big pre-season and has been really important for us. He’s a ripper and we just hope he recovers really well, first and foremost,” Hickey said.
“There’s a bit of a road to recovery for the young man. Fingers crossed he recovers and rehabs well but the main thing is that they got to it (the injury) in time.”
Thankfully, McKim had heeded the advice of club officials and had his calf checked following the match against the Grubbers.
“We said to him when he left he should go and get it checked out and we’re pretty happy he went to hospital,” Hickey said.
“When you’ve got injuries like that, you can never be too careful. We’re pretty devastated about it but we’re all going to rally around him. He’s a good Modda boy, he’s got some good footy ahead of him and we hope he recovers well.”
Hickey said the situation provided a timely reminder for footballers of the importance of raising any injury concerns and getting checked out.
“We thought he’d just need a rest but it turned into a bit of a nasty situation,” he said.