O’Halloran suffers broken back, but it could have been much worse | VIDEO

O’Halloran went back with the flight of the ball in his round one Central Highlands Football League clash with Newlyn before his courage was met with a wayward knee.

The decorated midfielder went down immediately. He was taken to hospital and is expected to remain there for much of the week.

The time frame on his return is dependent on how he recovers, with the possibility of him returning within six weeks but the potential of him missing the whole season.

While coach Jason Olver said he would love to see his star player return to the field this season, the club’s concerns were solely around O’Halloran’s well-being.

“He’s a lucky boy, but at the same time you don’t expect to have an injury like that when you’re out on the footy field,” Olver said.

“If he takes it easy he’ll have a full recovery. Because he’s physically fit they’re saying at least 6-8 weeks, but it could be the season – you just don’t know how he’s going to recuperate.

“At the moment we’re hoping it’s around 6-10 weeks…but at this stage it’s just a matter of making sure he’s healthy. I won’t write the year off knowing Dan…he’s recuperating powers are unbelievable, but this one is pretty serious.”

Amazingly, O’Halloran returned to the field. With he and the club unaware of the extreme nature of the injury, he started the last quarter – but came off within 30 seconds.

O’Halloran is hopeful of getting out to watch his side take on Daylesford on Saturday, but that will depend on his progression over the coming days. Football will become secondary, at least in the short-term, as he looks to make a full recovery.

There has been no report made from the incident.