In the world of Australian rules football, few stories are as captivating and inspiring as that of Finn Maginness. The 25-year-old Hawthorn player has emerged from a harrowing injury to become a testament to resilience and determination. Maginness' journey from the brink of disaster to becoming a key player for Hawthorn is a tale of courage and unwavering spirit. This is his story, a narrative of overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of trauma.
A Traumatic Encounter
Maginness' last trip to Tasmania was a harrowing experience. The player suffered a severe kidney injury at UTAS Stadium, an incident that would change his life forever. The details of that day are graphic and harrowing. Maginness, standing in the centre, was hit by Calsher Dear while flying for a mark. The impact was so severe that it caused a laceration to his kidney, an injury that would later be revealed to be life-threatening.
"I got the hit in the third quarter, and at the time I thought, 'Oh god, I've been winded really badly here.' I sort of felt the air suck out of my lungs and it took me a second to regroup. Then I regrouped and I was alright; I managed to carry out the game. I had a role on Zak Butters, so I was really focused on that," Maginness recalled to AFL.com.au.
What followed was a series of events that would test his resolve. After the game, Maginness started to feel pain in his stomach, a sign of something more sinister. It was only after a shower that he discovered the extent of his injury - red blood in his urine. This was the moment he realised something was seriously wrong.
A Race Against Time
The intervention of Hawthorn's doctor, Liam West, was crucial. West examined Maginness and, seeing the signs of distress, decided to send him to hospital in Launceston. This decision saved Maginness' life. The player was in a state of shock, his blood pressure dropping and his temperature fluctuating. It was a race against time, and West's swift action was instrumental in preventing a worse outcome.
"I'm incredibly lucky because I was thinking, 'Why don't I just fly back and I'll be at hospital in Melbourne in two hours' time? I'll be fine,'" Maginness said. "Westy was very firm. He said, 'No, absolutely not. This is my domain, I know what's right, we're sending you to Launceston.' I couldn't be more grateful to him, because once I got to Launceston, they did some scans on me, and they did put me on a plane."
The flight to Hobart was bumpy and wet, but it was a necessary step in Maginness' recovery. The player lost almost half his blood and required surgery to stop the internal bleeding. The surgeon made it clear that without medical advancements, Maginness would have lost his kidney and faced a difficult decision about continuing his football career.
A Slow Road to Recovery
The recovery process was slow and arduous. Maginness spent three nights at Royal Hobart Hospital, then was discharged but remained nearby. His partner, Gemma, and his mother, Anna, were by his side, providing support and encouragement. The player's resilience was tested, but he remained focused on his goal of returning to the Hawthorn team.
"I think the best way to handle it [being on the fringe] is to keep putting up good performances and take your opportunities when you get in the AFL side. My goal for my career is I just want to play in a premiership," Maginness said.
The support of Hawthorn's management, including GM Rob McCartney, was invaluable. McCartney flew back to Tasmania to spend time with Maginness and his family, a gesture that was deeply appreciated. The player's determination to return to the team was a testament to his character and his love for the game.
A New Perspective
Maginness' injury gave him a new perspective on life and football. The player realised the fragility of his health and the importance of his family and friends. He also understood the value of his career and the opportunity to play in a premiership. This newfound appreciation for life and football has driven him to excel in his recovery and return to the Hawthorn team.
"I want to take my opportunity, be in the best possible form I can so I can take that opportunity and try push for that next flag and add value to the team in our pursuit of that next premiership," Maginness said.
Today, Maginness is back on the field, playing for Hawthorn. He is a testament to the power of resilience and determination, a player who has overcome adversity to become a key member of the team. His story is a reminder that even in the face of trauma, there is always hope for a brighter future.
