WILLIS HAS WILLPOWER TO TACKLE ADVERSITY
MACKENZIE Willis says he is determined to return from a season-ending knee injury an even better player as his football career at the Gold Coast Suns hangs in the balance.
Willis has undergone surgery to fix his knee after hurting his ACL during Gold Coast’s Round 6 NEAFL loss to Brisbane on May 12.
The injury has scuppered the 22-year-old’s chances of earning a regular spot in the senior side following a quiet first three seasons that has included just five AFL games.
Willis was demoted to the rookie list at the end of last season, a move that came with a 12-month contract that ends this year.
Now his hopes of convincing the club that already gave him one lifeline to give him another chance have taken a hit.
“It’s been a tough week personally and for my family, being told I will not be able to play for remainder of the season,” Willis told his social media followers.
“But I am determined to return better than I was. I would like to say a huge thanks to my friends and family for all the well wishes.”
Willis said he chose not to focus on his contract situation as he comes to terms with his latest setback.
His injury came a week after he was named as a travelling emergency for Gold Coast’s Round 7 game against the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.