The PFA extends its thoughts and best wishes to Massimo Murdocca and Jason Petkovic.
Both players have suffered serious injuries in the past two weeks while playing or training for their club. The injuries are likely to see them sidelined for the remainder of the A-League season.
As an integral part of Queensland Roar’s midfield, Massimo tore a ligament in his foot while training in the week following his solid performance against Sydney FC in Round 7.
Jason, Perth Glory’s number one goalkeeper, found himself in the middle of a sickening clash with teammate Simon Colosimo and close friend Damien Mori during Perth Glory’s loss to Central Coast Mariners during Round 9. The result for Jason was horrendous- a broken leg requiring immediate surgery.
Both Massimo and Jason are regular starters for their clubs although now find themselves in an unenviable position. Not only will they be spending the rest of the season on the sidelines and have an uncertain future next season, they are likely to forego a portion of their salary package.
“Risk, particularly the risk of injury, is a part of football, everybody knows that,” said PFA Chief Executive John Didulica.
“Our challenge as administrators of the game is to minimise those risks and establish quality safeguards for the players taking those risks. The players who end up on the operating table.”
“The fact Jason, Massimo and any other players who are out for long-periods carry those risks personally is unacceptable. Loss of entitlements through injury remains a massive issue for 99% of A-League players.”
