Coming back from any injury is daunting but returning to the playing field after three years on the sidelines with a brain injury would be a weight on the shoulders of even the most composed athlete.
Lake Boga footballer Josh Gadsden had such a dilemma on his hands after putting his hand up to play in the reserves against Swan Hill in the last round of matches — his first appearances for the Pies since an incident in round 1, 2013.
The 24-year-old was an unlikely hero early on, taking a chest mark in the forward 50 and kicking a goal with virtually his first touch back in competitive football.
“I was a little bit nervous but mostly exciting pulling on the guernsey, I have waited three years for this moment,” he told The Guardian.
“Footy was my life when my injury happened so I have been so excited since I was told yes, I could play.”
To read more about Josh’s amazing return, grab a copy of today’s Guardian (August 29).
