Essendon skpper James Hird is recovering well in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, but will not get the all-clear to fly for at least another 10 days. James suffered multiple facial fractures in a collision with a team-mate during last Saturday’s game against Fremantle and was subsequently rushed to SCGH.
James said he was grateful for the support of well-wishers and extended his thanks, particularly to the people of Perth who he said had been enormously supportive.
He will not give any media interviews while in Perth.
""At the moment I am just focusing on spending time with my family and on my recovery,"" James said.
""It’s nice that people are concerned and interested, but right now it’s important to me and my family that we be given our privacy.""
SCGH on-call plastic surgeon, Sean Hamilton, performed surgery on James’ face on Saturday night and said the procedure had gone well.
""James has been traumatised physically and emotionally but is in a satisfactory condition,"" Mr Hamilton said.
Under general anaesthetic, the depressed fracture of the frontal bone involving the frontal sinus and the roof of the orbit, and the left cheek bone, were elevated and plated in good position. Finally, lacerations were repaired. Mr Hamilton said.
""James has not suffered any damage to his eyes or brain,"" Mr Hamilton said.
He said additional surgery was not likely, but could not rule the possibility out. Mr Hamilton anticipated James’ recovery from the injuries could take up to 6 weeks.
