Scans confirm neck fracture for Mihocek

Brody Mihocek has sustained a fracture in his neck as a result of a sickening incident in Melbourne’s victory over Collingwood on Monday.

The Demons have confirmed that the 33-year-old has undergone surgery with doctors since providing a positive update that Mihocek is up and walking today.

In a club statement, Melbourne’s GM of AFL Football Alan Richardson said the top priority was the health and wellbeing of Mihocek.

“You never want to see an incident in our game, like what we saw with Brody on Monday,” Richardson said.

“Brody is in the very best of care and was able to undergo surgery last night, which, thankfully, went as planned.

“Our primary focus right now is supporting Brody, his partner Polly and their family through his recovery, while ensuring his return to full health.”

The statement concluded: The club asks that Brody and his family’s privacy is respected at this time.

Sickening incident

Mihocek was taken from the field after a horror landing in the Demons’ narrow King’s Birthday victory over Collingwood.

The former Magpie required a motorised stretcher to leave the ground during the second quarter after his head collided with the turf in a tackle with premiership teammate Billy Frampton.

Demons coach Steven King was unable to provide any further information during his post-match press conference.

"He's gone off to the hospital in the ambulance to get scans, and we're waiting to see what happens there, but fingers and toes are crossed for him," King said.

"We're obviously concerned. It didn't look great, when you see a player go down, and it's issues around the head and neck, that's serious.

"We're thinking of him now and hopefully it goes okay for him, but it's a concern.

"We're waiting to hear back from the scans. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow – he's obviously in good care now, so just waiting for those tests and results when they come through."

Following the incident, a hush would descend over the MCG with concern for Mihocek's health as he stayed down without moving.

The club’s medical staff was able to get the 33-year-old onto a stretcher with the game delayed for almost 10 minutes.

After he was wheeled away into the change rooms, both clubs went over to him to check in and wish him the best.