A HAMPDEN League footballer was fortunate medical staff were on hand when he was hit in the head in Saturday's seniors match between Terang-Mortlake and Camperdown.

Article first appeared: 16 July 2007   Herald Sun

Terang-Mortlake onballer Paul Gleeson was kneed in the head during a marking contest in the second term of the game at Camperdown.

The 28-year-old lay on the ground convulsing for 20 minutes as his distressed parents and teammates waited for an ambulance from Terang, 25km away.

Trainers and medical staff from both clubs aided Gleeson before the ambulance crew arrived.

Gleeson, who suffered facial injuries, was taken to Camperdown hospital before being transferred to Warrnambool for observation. He was discharged yesterday and should make a full recovery.

Terang-Mortlake general manager Will Fairbairn praised team medical staff for keeping Gleeson stable until the ambulance arrived.

"During the time that he was unconscious it was very troubling," Fairbairn said.

"If it hadn't been for the professionalism of trainers from both sides, it could have been a lot worse."