How injured ruck Daniel Bourke gave Wonthaggi Power a boost

WONTHAGGI Power might have come away from a sensationally narrow loss to Warragul, in the semi-final at Leongatha last Sunday, as something of a victim of circumstance.

But, as the club said on its Instagram page this week, there are some things in life that are much more important than football.

As the Power players were coming out of the rooms for their warm-up at half time in the reserves game, they got the very happy surprise of a visit by their injured ruckman, Daniel Bourke, off his crutches and out of hospital for the day, as he continues his recovery.

Wide smiles, delighted banter and plenty of warm hugs were featured in a heart-warning video clip posted with the following note:

“We may not have come away with a win on the scoreboard but definitely had a win off the field. Bourkey surprised the boys pre-game, out of his wheelchair and with the biggest smile.

“Clubs are about so much more than just netball and football!”

Bourke was severely injured in a car accident, on his way home from the football at Drouin on Saturday, July 11, when he broke his pelvis and sustained internal bleeding in a fearful crash on the South Gippsland Highway at Bena.

Bourke was airlifted from the scene and ended up in intensive care at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond.

But the progress of his recovery, from intensive care to restorative surgery, rehab and finally the general ward, charted by his father Phil on social media for the benefit of family and friends has been nothing short of remarkable.

Having given his teammates some extra skip in their step on their way to an eight goals to two opening quarter on Sunday, Bourke has gone one better himself, and left the hospital behind him on Wednesday.

“Well, a day we wondered would ever arrive, particularly when this journey began just a little over 8 weeks ago. In short, if you were thinking of heading in to visit Daniel at Epworth Rehab, then don’t, because he won’t be there!!” said Daniel’s father on Facebook.

“Amazingly, whilst rehab continues, it now continues at home, because Daniel has checked out. How about that, so fantastic, so amazing, so good, and so unbelievable!

“You all are responsible for this fantastic moment as I am convinced the overwhelming love, best wishes, prayers, thoughts and good wishes you have all sent have been a significant part of this journey.

“Then there is all of those fantastic first responders, paramedics, doctors, nurses, surgeons, trauma specialists, physios, social workers, phycologists and other medical team members have combined to get us here.

“The last photo in his room at the Epworth is attached with a relieved but proud mum and dad, and then embarrassingly (at least in his mind) with Douggie the Dog and his emotional support chicken, as he readies for his chariot home.

“Too many other thoughts - I could go on for some time. Enough to say thanks to you all, we can never forget!”

There’s still rehab work to be done but there’s little doubt that getting home, catching up with his mates and putting more of the normal things back in place are the best medicine of the lot.