Hawthorn Hawks forward details horrific leg break and road to AFL return

While emotional support is there, only the 22 -year -old Butler can begin to rebuild his football career.

“Main [challenge] For me, it was probably the mental side, it started to get into contact again, because it happened somehow, these actions would be in any game, they could be at any time, and it was very sudden, ”Butler said.

“I heard the break and my way: ‘Oh shit, I hope I’m not.’

Club sports psychologist Ed Barlow, a former Sydney and Western Bulldogs player, was also very important in rehabilitation. And it was not just on the mental side of the game, because Barlow joined Mitch Lewis and James Blanck, who were huge injuries during physical activities, including bicycle studies and circuits.

The climax of Butler’s rehabilitation came at the 13th round when he returned to the senior team against Western Bulldogs for the first time in 418 days this year. Before returning to VFL, there were two other senior games for the old Great West Victoria Rebel, and different probability for the finals will not take back its place.

Butler, “I started to get some confidence in the year, the first few games are still a half guard, still a little further a little weird, it was still getting a little confidence. 11 games straight, then the leg began to catch me a little – a little bone stress,” he said.

Butler with a titanium rod that can be lifted during the summer on the lower leg passes through a weekly care program.

“This year, the way I go on a Sunday or Saturday, I feel quite nonsense for a day. I will remain quite low and I will stay in the legs at the beginning of the week, then I will play the main training and play again. This is a recurrent cycle,” he said.

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“I think this year I made more pressure on myself, I am a big injury. Now I’m in my fourth year, I missed my third year, so I have to start to move things. It helps me work hard during the week, different bicycle sessions, swimming sessions, then help me prepare for the weekend.

The opportunity came in the midst of difficulties. Butler, Engie Stadium to face the Great West Sydney Luke Breust fell in front of the trip to the final chance of the final. He had a goal and four struggles in this game, and Coach Sam Mitchell was chosen after the determination for the determination that he said he would live in his memory for a long time in a crow on Crows on Friday at a press conference after the match.

Butler, “how well they went to go back to the side of the unexpected to go back,” he said.

“This was a beautiful team. Everyone won his place, a few people were injured, which helped my case and also played a good footy. Coaches supported me for the finals that were big – this is unreal.”

His teammate Nick Watson said he was a source of inspiration for Butler’s recovery.

“Frankly, very hardworking. Seeing that he has returned without injury and fully confidence – clearly losing all your confidence in your leg. This is the worst thing,” Watson said.

“It is very good to return to play the final in the Afl level final. [15 disposals, two goals]. “

Butler’s solid focus on Friday night, while in the front finals against Geelong, 2026. Hawks, who is willing to spend more time in the out -of -contract and midfield, offered him a new two -year agreement, but West Coast also called on Dave Trotter, the ruler of Butler.

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“Yes, there is. We will see where this is going.

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