Nick Stevens underwent surgery earlier today on his injured neck and Carlton’s club doctor, Ben Barresi, reports that the surgery went well.
“Nick had the injured disc and disc prolapse removed and had a bone graft from his hip. The surgeon inserted a small plate and screws into his neck and Nick is resting well and is expected to be in hospital for a few days,” Ben said this afternoon.
Nick will miss the remainder of the 2007 season and has been placed on the long-term injury list with Ross Young being promoted from the Rookie List. While obviously disappointed to be missing the remainder of the season Nick has been very philosophical about the injury preferring to focus on overcoming the injury and being involved with the continued improvement of the team.
“I know we are really on the improve and it is difficult not to be a part of this year as you just don’t know how far we can go. However with such an exciting young side you know we are going to be even better next year and again the year after so I don’t want to jeapardise playing in future years because of the injury. Having the surgery will ensure I am right to play next year, it was too big a risk to continue playing, not only for this year but for my future,” Stevens said when he made the decision to have the operation.
As for keeping involved with the team Nick will wait until he is ready to move around and will then be back at the Club and expects to continue to work with the younger players and liaise with the coaching staff, spending time in the coach’s box during the season. The one thing he has already flagged with President Richard Pratt is his availability to travel to interstate games; “In the President’s private jet of course,” he joked with the President prior to training last week.
Carlton supporters can forward get well cards and messages to the Carlton Football Club to attention Nick Stevens, Carlton Football Club, PO Box 83, Carlton North, Vic, 3053 or via email: blues@carltonfc.com.au – please include in the subject line “Nick Stevens”
