Carngham-Linton footballer Nathan Achison says he is lucky to escape without more serious injuries after an on-field incident saw him flown to Melbourne by helicopter earlier this month.
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The youngster remains in pain close to two weeks on from the Central Highlands Football League under-18 clash with Hepburn, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Achison, who has been working with a family relative as a plumber, spent a few nights in hospital before returning home to Snake Valley on Tuesday last week.
"I've got bad bruising in my back, I've got a very stiff and sore neck and I might have a ruptured Achilles," he said.
"I've just got bad back pain, every time I sit down and get up. I can't sit down for too long because it just aches and aches.
"Looking back at that video (of the incident), I'm pretty lucky to get out of that situation. When I hit the ground, I think I pretty much got knocked out for three seconds and then I was back awake. I'm just very lucky.
"It was very scary for me."
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Achison said he didn't hold any grudges towards the opponent that bumped him late in the match.
"I reckon it was in the play to be honest. People were saying it was a bit late, but I reckon it was in the play. That's my opinion," he said.
"It was a fair bump. It could have been both ways - he could have got hurt as well."
The incident came in the closing minutes of the round two clash. With scores locked together and Achison laying on the ground in the Burras' forward line, umpires were forced to stop play before ambulance workers were called. The match then ended in a draw.
It also came the day after Achison was involved in a minor car accident.
While he's hopeful of getting back for a game before the end of the season, Achison concedes it might be tough given his injuries.
Five clubs have withdrawn teams from the CHFL in recent days, but Carngham-Linton remains part of the competition. The Saints only have an under-18 side, which is scheduled to play Skipton this Saturday.
The CHFL released a new fixture on Tuesday, which can be found at here.
