HENDERSON DOWN BUT NOT OUT
A BROKEN neck that effectively ended the AFL playing career of South Cairns’ Lance Henderson has failed to keep him from being involved in the sport he loves.
The 29-year-old reserves player has been named the head coach of the Cutters women’s team for 2022, three months after suffering the gruesome injury against the Lions in round 11.
The incident left Henderson hospitalised with significant nerve damage and loss of movement in some
extremities. He may be on the sideline permanently, but the Cutters player of five years said coaching was always something he wanted to get involved in.
“I tried to play a bit of a role off the field last year and this year,” Henderson said.
“It’s something I’ve always been interested in.
“I’m very excited, it’s a new pathway.”
Henderson has spent the last three months in rehabilitation to regain balance and control over his fine motor movements.
The recovery has been made all the more heartening
for Henderson thanks to the support of the Cutters and South Cairns community who rallied around him.
He said coming back to coach was a way to give back to a club that’s meant so much to him.
“I’m still recovering every day – it was three months ago,” Henderson said.
“The club and the community out here have supported me hugely after my accident.
“To be able to give back to the club is fantastic and to still be a part of it is awesome.”
The Cutters reserves team
was even able to cap off Henderson’s year on a high note, winning the grand final against the Cairns Saints.
The women’s team went winless in 2021, but has managed to foster a passionate squad of newcomers to the sport.
Henderson will relieve outgoing mentor Joscelyn Bowditch of the position.
“[I] don’t have huge expectations as of yet, but
I’m really wanting to build the women’s culture out here at the club,” Henderson said.
“Joscelyn did a fantastic job at it, and we’ll take it to another level.”