RHYS Palmer has escaped head and spinal damage and is expected to make a full recovery, despite having lost his spleen and suffered liver damage, after his serious motorbike accident last Saturday night.

The 2008 NAB AFL Rising Star winner had his spleen removed in emergency surgery to stop the internal bleeding and was placed in an induced coma.

His WAFL club Swan Districts released a statement: "Rhys has been in and out of an induced coma, which is helping his body recover from the significant trauma. He has been able to provide a limited but positive response to his father. His very close family have been by his side throughout the ordeal."

The 30-year-old lined up in 123 games at Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney and Carlton.

He had been travelling with a female passenger who also went to hospital, but was relatively unscathed.

"A witness at the accident has contacted the club to say that immediately after the accident, Rhys was more concerned for everyone else rather than himself asking if everyone was alright. This is testament to his character," Swan Districts CEO Jeff Dennissaid.

The crash came a day after Palmer was removed from the Gloucester Park races after a shoe was thrown on to the track.

In a Facebook post hours before the collision, Palmer explained his perspective of the situation.

"Firstly, let me be clear, no shoe was deliberately thrown at a horse during any race, and I have the utmost respect for the racing community and all those involved," Palmer wrote.

"It was simply unfortunate timing. I was having a light-hearted wrestle with a young teammate, oblivious to what was happening around us.

"What transpired was a shoe being thrown, which, unbeknown to us, was unfortunately at the same time the horses had made their way around the course."