CAMERON Dunne says his philosophy on football and the messages he passes on to the young players at Dunnstown won’t change, despite the freak accident that cost him his playing career.
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The 21-year-old is preparing to step back into the game he loves, less than a year after suffering a spinal injury during a reserves clash against Springbank.
Dunne has been appointed joint coach of the Towners’ under-18 side, where he will work alongside Phil Collins throughout the 2015 Central Highlands Football League season.
“I’ve always been one of the ones who say you just go in as hard as you can. I’ll never change that. Obviously, I can’t play footy again, but if I did, I’d still be the same. I’d always go in hard,” Dunne said.
“I’ll definitely tell the kids to go in as hard as they can and go in head first, because it’s the best way to play footy.”
It has been a difficult road to recovery for the Ballan local, who is back on his feet after having to learn to walk again, but still suffers many side effects, including loss of feeling below his waist, in his back and in both hands, as well as ongoing pain.
Dunne admits he has good days and bad, but tries to maintain a positive attitude.
“There’s times where, obviously, you get a bit down on yourself and what not, but I guess there’s no point cracking the sads about it. It has happened now, so I’ve just got to get on with it and do as good as I can,” he said.
“There’s days where I’m not so great and you have just got to push yourself a bit harder.”
Dunne said he didn’t expect to ever get the feeling back in parts of his body, but hoped his movement would improve over time and the pain decrease with the right treatment.
“There’s not really a great deal they can do with it (loss of feeling), so I guess they are probably using me as a test bunny. The technology is not good enough, I guess.
“I’m glad I’m walking around – I’m a bit sketchy on uneven surfaces and stuff, but I’m just glad I’m up and about.”
Dunne is being supported with sponsorship from GJ Gardner Homes, which helps with financial assistance for coaching courses and fuel to training and games.
Meanwhile, the club has locked in a new naming rights sponsor, with Daville Building Surveying on board for the 2015 season.
Daville Building Surveying’s Dave Kors said small communities needed to be supported.
“Being a businessman and a dad, I wanted to help adults and kids to have the opportunity to pursue footy, create friends and memories that last forever,” Kors said.
Dunnstown will kick-start its campaign with a home clash against Springbank on April 11.