Several Geelong AFL stars have called on the community to support a local footballer who is a quadriplegic after an on-field accident.
Casey Tutungi, who once played in the Cats’ VFL team, will never use his arms or legs again.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury while playing for Geelong Football League team South Barwon, where he is also co-coach.
Tutungi was placed in an induced coma on June 22 after a collision with an opponent.
He is out of the coma, but his family said in a statement on Tuesday morning that Tutungi has suffered severe spinal cord damage.
Geelong captain Joel Selwood said on Twitter that the news was shattering.
“Every time he ran out in the hoops, Casey Tutungi gave his all for the club and his teammates,” Selwood added.
“Now, Case needs all of our support.”
Selwood has also asked the community to support a trust fund set up for Tutungi.
Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie were other Cats stars who sent messages of support for Tutungi.
Tutungi, 27, and his partner Bridget are expecting their first child in November.