Tram hit leaves Graham Polak in coma
Staff writers | Herald-Sun | June 30, 2008
RICHMOND defender Graham Polak faces the fight of his life after a freak tram accident left him in an induced coma.
Polak, 24, suffered a bruised brain after being hit by the tram outside his Armadale home, at the corner of Orrong Rd and Dandenong Rd, about 11pm on Saturday.
The Tigers have ruled out the 106-gamer playing again this season and his future beyond is uncertain with fears he may have permanent brain injuries. Polak is expected to be taken out of the coma today.
In developments late yesterday:
* POLAK'S family flew in from Perth to be at his bedside and support his girlfriend, model Alyce Oksuz.
* RICHMOND said he was not given drugs that would affect his judgment after a crash with Carlton's Brendan Fevola.
* DOCTORS said Polak had not sustained serious spinal injuries impeding his mobility.
* POLICE were not expected to lay charges against the tram driver.
Ms Oksuz's family had also flown in from Perth to be with her.
Her father, Derbish, said he was confident Polak's fighting spirit would see him through this tragedy.
"Graham's a real fighter. My heart says he'll get through this," Mr Oksuz said.
Police said Polak, drafted to the Tigers from Fremantle in 2006, regained consciousness when police arrived but was put in a coma at the Alfred hospital to minimise risk.
Polak played all 22 games for the Tigers last year.
He was leaving home with teammate Cleve Hughes about 11pm to get into a taxi with another teammate, Jordan McMahon. It is believed they were on their way to meet teammates in St Kilda.
The three had attended a club function after its 100-year celebration game with Carlton at the MCG.
Polak was injured after colliding with Fevola in the first quarter but returned to play out the game.
"I feel a bit sick," said Fevola, a friend of Polak and Ms Oksuz.
Tiger Nathan Brown said Polak was not drunk after the function.
Polak's family, including mum Judy and brothers Chad, Dion and Troy, yesterday flew in from Perth.
Chad Polak said the news had stunned his family.
"It's pretty hard when you're on the other side of the country and don't really know what's going on," he said.
Chad said his family was coping but was waiting for Graham to wake.
"We're not going too bad, just hanging in there," he said.
"He seems to be getting better but we have to wait."
Club doctor Greg Hickey said the 2003 Rising Star nominee had been moving his limbs, but it was too early to say whether there was any long-term brain damage.
"These things can take some months to settle down and get a clearer picture," Dr Hickey said.
"Things are going to change very quickly the next few days.
"He's got bruising on his brain. Initially this was of great concern, but through the night he has improved.
"The risk is swelling of the brain can follow this."
Richmond football director Greg Miller said last night Polak had not taken painkillers or medication after his knock to the ribs that could have impaired his judgment.
"No, not at all," Miller said.
"It was one of those million to one chances, unfortunately."
Miller said the club was unsure if Polak had been drinking and it was not an issue.
Brown yesterday described the accident as shattering.
"He's a good mate of mine, he's a good mate of everyone at the club," he told Triple M.
"It's a freak thing. He wasn't drunk or anything, he was on his way out. It's shattering."
Fevola said he'd sent Polak and Ms Oksuz his best wishes.
"Knowing Graham and his missus, Alyce, hopefully he can get better," he said.
"It's a shock. You just don't expect these kinds of things."
He said he recalled being in a clash with Polak in the match, but did not know the extent of the defender's injuries.
Richmond legend Francis Bourke said his thoughts were with Polak and his family.
"I'm just hoping he's OK," Bourke said.
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