In the latest statement, the Tutungi family said the 27-year-old was ``making slow but steady improvements'' in the Intensive Care Unit at Melbourne's Austin Hospital.

 

"The medical staff are very happy with his progress and say he may be moved from ICU to the spinal ward next week sometime,'' the statement read.

 

"Case is slowly getting his cheeky grin back and even managed to convince the nurse into putting the footy on Tv for him last night.

 

"He is receiving the very best of treatment from the staff here at the Austin and the family are very grateful for this.''

 

Tutungi suffered severe damage to his spinal cord along with damage to his fourth and fifth vertebrae in a freak accident during the clash against St Joseph's at McDonald Reserve on Saturday.

 

He remains in a stable condition.

 

"We would like to thank the many thousands of people who send their love and support to Casey and ourselves at this time, in particular the communities of Lorne and Geelong,'' the statement said.