Locantro Responds Well to Surgery

The entire East Fremantle Football Club “family” wishes Julian Locantro a speedy recovery and good health, following surgery on a skull fracture sustained in the early stages of yesterday’s Development League game against Subiaco.

Locantro, who was returning for the first time since round 8 following a calf strain, was contesting a ball at 20m out from the Sharks goal, when he was sandwiched by two Subiaco players.  Unfortunately as a result he suffered accidental contact to the left side of his head, from what appeared to be a knee, causing the depressed fracture.  Julian was treated on ground by the Club's physio and trainers, before being assisted from the ground and taken to the medical room for further assessment.  Initial signs were that of a bad concussion, however around 25-30 minutes later his symptoms worsened at which point an ambulance was called.  Julian was taken to Sir Charles Gardiner where the fracture was identified, then surgery performed. The Club acknowledges the professionalism and care given by the Club's medical staff and thanks them for their efforts.

In speaking with the Locantro family Julian has shown positive signs today since the surgery, but he will remain in hospital for the next week or so.  Julian’s father Joe wanted to pass on the following statement on behalf of Julian and the Locantro family.

“We would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and support for Julian, in particular everyone at the East Fremantle Football Club.  Unfortunately Julian’s injuries were sustained from a freak accident and nothing more.  We are a private family and are only concerned for Julian’s recovery and ask for that to be respected.  We do not want too much to be made of this accident and we will continue to love and support the game.”

Julian was recruited to the Sharks at the start of the 2015 season, seeking more opportunity to play League football.  With good speed and skills Julian was able to play 6 League games in his first season at the Sharks, however injuries curtailed his chances of playing more senior games.  Similarly Julian had an interrupted preseason and started the year in the Development League in brilliant fashion, including a 43 possession game against Peel, but injury struck again.

At this time it’s not so much about the football, but more about the person and Julian, everyone at the Sharks wishes you all the best with your return to full health.