A SOUTH Australian footballer who suffered spinal damage in a Northern Territory Football League match on Saturday may never walk again, his surgeon says.
Darwin Buffaloes forward Tai Martin-Page sustained his injuries in an incident in the opening minutes of the game against Wanderers in Darwin.
Martin-Page was running towards the ball and had his head down when opponent Mitch Taylor, coming from the other direction, made front-on contact to the 27-year-old.
Taylor was reported for his action and took no further part in the contest.
Doctors initially assessed Martin-Page at Royal Darwin Hospital before he was flown to Perth in "a stable condition" for specialist treatment.
Dr Edward Baddour, of Royal Perth Hospital, operated on Martin-Page on Sunday night, after the footballer suffered a bi-facet dislocation and spinal cord injury in the collision.
He remains in "spinal shock", according to Dr Baddour.
"Both of the joints supporting the spine have dislocated. During that process, he sustained an injury to the spinal cord at the same level," Dr Baddour said.
"This has resulted in him losing a lot of movement in his hands and, at the moment, all of the movement in his lower legs.
"His hands do not work properly, but he still has movement of his shoulders and elbows."
Dr Baddour said Martin-Page's injury was common from an Australian football or rugby tackle, where the player is "hyperflexed and twisted" to "protect from frontal impact".
The same surgeon operated on East Perth footballer Beau Chatley, who suffered significant damage to his neck and spinal cord in a WAFL match in 2016.
Chatley was temporarily a quadriplegic, but walked out of hospital just before Christmas that year, five months after sustaining his injuries.
"I think there is some hope. There is no value in losing hope at this stage," Dr Baddour said.
"Beau Chatley is now walking after a very similar injury. Certainly, Tai needs to maintain a good mental strength for the challenges he has ahead of him.
"This is a serious injury and you can't reliably predict where Tai is going to be in six to 12 months' time.
"He is looking at possibly up to six months' rehabilitation before he will be able to be released into the community."
Martin-Page's mother, Bridgit Martin, thanked everyone for their support in the difficult time.
"On behalf of Tai, his brothers Jay and Shae, and our wider family, I'd like to express our immense gratitude at the outpouring of love, support and care everyone has given us," Martin said.
"What has happened while Tai was doing what he loves – playing footy – is a mother's nightmare.
"But the hurt has been made far easier thanks to the Darwin Buffaloes Football Club, NT Thunder, AFLNT, the dedicated hospital staff, plus Tai's many friends and junior footy club.
"Following surgery in Perth last night, I am pleased to report that he is in good spirits, joking with his brother and showing the usual signs of hunger I am used to."
Martin-Page's Darwin coach, former North Melbourne forward Matt Campbell, said the footballer made a positive and instant impact at his new club.
"From the moment I have known Tai, he has impressed me with his attitude, work ethic and maturity," Campbell said.
"All our thoughts, hopes and prayers are with Tai and his family."
Martin-Page had signed to play for NT Thunder in the NEAFL this year.
