From Perthnow online:
AN East Fremantle WAFL footballer is recovering in hospital following lifesaving surgery on a fractured skull in a reserves match on Sunday.
Julian Locantro, 22, suffered a depressed fracture to the skull and swelling of the brain after a heavy accidental clash during the match against Subiaco at the Sharks’ home ground Atom Park.
The tough 180cm midfielder-defender, who has played nine league games and 69 reserves matches since starting with East Perth colts in 2011 and joining the Sharks in 2015, was felled early in the game.
He appeared to be knocked unconscious and was treated by club trainers and medicos on the ground, but recovered enough to walk groggily off the ground.
He was unsteady on his feet and appeared heavily concussed.
East Fremantle club spokesman Darryn Fry said Locantro’s symptoms worsened later in the day and he was taken by ambulance to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
He was found to have a 1cm depressed fracture to his skull.
“He was in the forward line when it happened. He went and attacked the footy and got sandwiched between two opponents, nothing untoward at all, it was just one of those incidents that happen,’’ Mr Fry said.
“He’s obviously sustained a head injury, which at first showed symptoms of a concussion then was treated accordingly, but as the day progressed those symptoms worsened.
“He was taken by ambulance to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital where it was found he had a depressed fracture of the skull that was about a 1cm indentation.
“He had surgery last night (Sunday) to repair that and he’s now recovering in hospital.
“It was a pretty serious incident but one of those unfortunate clashes you don’t see too often. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“He’s woken up this morning and is progressing reasonably well, all things considered.’’
Get well champ! I hope that Julian has a speedy recovery and that he will soon be fit and healthy.
