Pleasure and pain for AFL fan

Dedicated football fans will endure anything for their team – even a broken leg.

Collingwood supporter Mary Camilleri sustained an injury during last year's AFL grand final, and she was not even on the pitch.

Mrs Camilleri was watching the thrilling 2023 title decider at home with friends, while her husband and two sons cheered on their team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In all the excitement of Collingwood's end-of-season triumph, she leapt for joy and fractured her leg.

"I got so excited that I was jumping around the lounge room and landed awkwardly," Mrs Camilleri said.

Despite the pain, she chose not to spoil the mood for her husband and sons, who were enjoying the city's celebrations after the game.

"I was sore, but when my husband rang to share the excitement of the win, I didn't tell him what happened, as I wanted him and the boys to stay in the city to celebrate," Mrs Camilleri said.

By the next day however, her pain had increased, which prompted a visit to the emergency department at Epworth Richmond hospital.

Scans confirmed a fracture, and she was fitted with a leg brace.

However, during her rehabilitation the experts at Epworth Richmond decided Mrs Camilleri needed knee replacement surgery, which was performed by Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris.

Mrs Camilleri was well on the way to recovery as the 2024 season started – unfortunately her beloved Magpies have lost their opening two games.

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