FORMER Melbourne and Fremantle midfielder Colin Sylvia received hospital treatment after suffering a neck injury in an apparent balcony fall.

The 31-year-old posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a neck brace and detailed the extent of his injuries.

"Not ideal start to the weekend... Very lucky your (sic) not supposed to fall off balconys (sic) apparently!"

"I’d have to agree — fractured my neck and bleeding to the brain. Extremely lucky. Doing a great job the team down here at the Alfred (Hospital). Be careful and stay safe everyone."

The former Demon was awarded life membership at Melbourne in November 2015 having spent 10 years with the club before crossing to the Dockers as a free agent at the end of 2013.

He retired in 2015 after two years on the Dockers' list for just six senior games.