Brody Mihocek is recovering well after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured neck suffered during Collingwood's King's Birthday AFL clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The experienced Magpies forward was injured during Monday's match after becoming trapped in a tackle, prompting immediate concern from players, officials and fans. Play was stopped for approximately 10 minutes while medical staff treated Mihocek on the field before he was carefully placed on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to hospital.
In a positive update released on Tuesday morning, Collingwood confirmed that Mihocek had successfully undergone surgery overnight and had already taken encouraging steps in his recovery.
"Mihocek successfully underwent surgery overnight and doctors have since provided a positive update, confirming he is up and walking today," the club said in a statement.
Collingwood's executive general manager of football, Alan Richardson, expressed relief that the procedure had gone according to plan.
"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."
Mihocek has become one of Collingwood's most respected and admired players since making his AFL debut in 2018. Known for his resilience, leadership and consistency in attack, the veteran forward has played a vital role in the Magpies' recent success and remains a popular figure throughout the football community.
The King's Birthday fixture also resulted in another injury concern for Collingwood, with defender Brayden Maynard suffering two shoulder dislocations during the match.
Maynard underwent scans on Tuesday morning and admitted uncertainty over whether surgery would be required. If an operation is necessary, the tough defender's season could be brought to an early end.
"Hopefully I can just strengthen it and get back out there within a couple of weeks," Maynard said.
"But we'll see how we go. If I have to get surgery, I will have to get surgery."
Reflecting on his approach to rehabilitation, Maynard referenced the inspiring message of Fight MND campaigner Neale Daniher.
"'Play on' – as Neale said. Keep playing on," he said.
While Collingwood's injury list has grown following the hard-fought encounter, the club's immediate priority remains Mihocek's health and recovery.
The positive post-surgery update has provided reassurance to teammates, supporters and the wider AFL community, with many now hopeful the much-loved Magpie can make a full recovery.
For now, the news that Mihocek is already walking after undergoing surgery represents the best possible outcome following one of the most concerning moments of the AFL season.
