WAFL club East Perth have set up a recovery fund for injured player Beau Chatley, whose serious neck and spinal injury sent shockwaves across the nation.

Chatley remains in a critical but stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery last weekend.

The 21-year-old suffered what is feared to be a permanent spinal injury after landing on the back of his head following a strong tackle from West Perth’s Mitchell Antonio during a WAFL reserves game last week.

Antonio was handed a 10-week suspension over the incident, but many experts have criticised the heavy penalty.

Chatley was unable to brace himself for impact because the bottom of his jumper got stuck over his head as he was being slung in the tackle.

East Perth says Chatley is in good spirits, and there has been some slight progress with movement in his right hand.

It is hoped he will be moved out of intensive care in the coming days.

The Chatley family and East Perth have set up the Beau Chatley Recovery Fund to assist with initial medical costs and provide support for ongoing rehabilitation.