Demon reflects on 2019 injury

The hype surrounding Waroona Demons’ fresh recruit Jake Currell was short-lived last year, after the midfielder broke his hand early in the season.

The young jet broke his thumb in three places and needed several pins and fake bones after an incident against South Mandurah in round five.

Currell was attempting to smother the ball when he received a boot to the hand, but did not realise he had suffered an injury and continued to play for the next three quarters.

Several days later, he experienced “excruciating” pain at work and decided to get it checked out. His specialist broke the bad news and ordered him to sit out for three months.

Currell was side-lined for 12 rounds, but returned for the last couple of games in the season.

“I didn’t feel like I deserved a spot in the league team because I had not been able to train like the other boys,” Currell said.

“However, the whole team was really supportive and welcoming when I returned.”

The small, but quick midfielder, who hails from Australind, was a former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault player. He was one of six Lions to move to the Demons for the 2019 season. They followed coach Matt Templeton to Waroona after being coached by him at HBL.

Currell said although HBL won the 2019 premiership, he did not regret his decision to move.

“Well done to HBL, they had a fantastic year, however, I moved to the Demons for a fresh start and I don’t regret it,” he said.

“For me, football is not just about winning a flag, it is more about being with your mates in a supportive environment.”

Upon his return to the game, Currell said he was anxious about re-injuring his hand.

“I was surprised at how much confidence I had once I was on the field, considering how painful the hand injury was,” he said.

Currell said the players were expecting a call on whether the season would start in the coming weeks.