Kosi Collapses

[Kildonan]

Kosi collapses
11:12:59 AM Sun 18 June, 2006
Matt Burgan
Sportal for afl.com.au

St Kilda ruckman/forward Justin Koschitzke has collapsed while being interviewed on Sunday morning, but it is yet to be known if the incident is related to him suffering a fractured skull earlier in the season.

Koschitzke was being interviewed by David Schwarz on Channel 7 program Sportsworld when the incident occurred - the Saint slurred his words and rolled his eyes before collapsing, with the former Melbourne player attempting to break his fall.

If it is confirmed that the big Saint fainting is as a direct result of the injuries he suffered when he was knocked unconscious after clashing heads with the Bulldogs' Daniel Giansiracusa in round six - he hasn't played since - it will be a major setback to his chances of returning to action anytime soon.

But Schwarz said later on the program after the incident happened that Koschitzke was 'OK', despite being rushed by ambulance from Channel 7 to Epworth Hospital in Melbourne.

"He got a bit of a knock to the head but he is fine," Schwarz said.

"The medicos did come and assess how he was feeling … and if he could remember how he got here. He does have a little bit of memory loss but only very slight.

"The medicos did say he fainted and lost a bit of blood pressure but he'll be OK."

"The good news for Justin and his family is that he's going to hospital and the signs are good."

The St Kilda star had told Schwarz prior to being interviewed that he played poker with some ex-players from the club on Saturday night, but did not stay out late.

Koschitzke, 23, has played just two matches this season. He missed the opening three rounds with a knee injury, while he suffered a quadriceps injury in round five before sustaining the fractured skull.

After winning the 2001 AFL Rising Star, Koschitzke has battled a number of injuries throughout his career.

He has played 73 matches, but has played just 53 since 2002, although he remains one of St Kilda's most important players.

 

[cobba]

forgot to have his weet bix

 

[Kildonan]

Kosi faint due to illness
2:06:29 PM Sun 18 June, 2006
Matt Burgan and Jennifer Witham
Sportal for afl.com.au

St Kilda ruckman/forward Justin Koschitzke has collapsed while being interviewed on Sunday morning.

Koschitzke was being interviewed by David Schwarz on Channel 7 program Sportsworld when the incident occurred - the Saint slurred his words and rolled his eyes before collapsing, with the former Melbourne player attempting to break his fall.

Since fainting, Koschitzke has been assessed at Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, and St Kilda has confirmed that there is no direct correlation between this incident and the injuries he suffered when he was knocked unconscious after clashing heads with the Bulldogs' Daniel Giansiracusa in round six.

St Kilda doctor Ian Stone told radio station 3AW that Koschitzke's fall could be attributed to illness and had nothing to do with the skull fracture sustained in that incident.

"It has been determined that it was nothing more than a faint," Stone said on Sunday afternoon.

"We don't believe that it had anything to do with his initial injury or incident six weeks ago.

"Justin has had a low-grade viral infection for the past couple of days, he didn't eat breakfast this morning, he was a little unwell going into the interview this morning and we feel it has probably computed to the incident when he fainted.

"He regained consciousness immediately after he fell and there is no evidence whatsoever there is any other mitigating medical problem that contributed to his faint this morning."

Schwarz said on the program after the incident happened that Koschitzke was 'OK', despite being rushed by ambulance from Channel 7 to Epworth.

"He got a bit of a knock to the head but he is fine," Schwarz said.

"The medicos did come and assess how he was feeling … and if he could remember how he got here. He does have a little bit of memory loss but only very slight.

"The medicos did say he fainted and lost a bit of blood pressure but he'll be OK."

"The good news for Justin and his family is that he's going to hospital and the signs are good."

The St Kilda star had told Schwarz prior to being interviewed that he played poker with some ex-players from the club on Saturday night, but did not stay out late.

Koschitzke, 23, has played just two matches this season. He missed the opening three rounds with a knee injury, while he suffered a quadriceps injury in round five before sustaining the fractured skull.

After winning the 2001 AFL Rising Star, Koschitzke has battled a number of injuries throughout his career.

He has played 73 matches, but has played just 53 since 2002, although he remains one of St Kilda's most important players.

 

[dougk]

for anyone who didnt see it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=77_VhHYb3X4

was pretty disturbing to see it happen.

 

[Sam the RAMA fan]

It was pretty scary when his speech slurred,
you knew something was wrong,and next second he was on the ground.

There is no need for any apologies or for him to be embarrassed!

It's just good to know that he is OK and that it has nothing to do with the fracture (that's what they say)..

Good Luck Kosi,hope you get better

 

[Kildonan]

I'd like to wish Kosi all the best in his recovery.
I know the club are absolutely dedicated to do what is best for him.
This has been unfortunate (to have happened so publicly) and whatever the cause / implications, he will be given the very best medical care and counselling that is available.

I'd love to see him playing in 2 weeks, but I know thats not going to happen.
He will return to football well after the specialists say it is OK to do so. He will not be rushed in because of our other injury problems.

That said, there will always be some who will wonder or claim that he shouldn't be playing yet, when he eventually returns (if he does). Claiming their opinion is of more authority than the best specialists in the country.

Also I'd like to thank all those supporters who posted their well wishes, this sort of thing does make individual club allegiances take second place doesn't it?

 

[bluejay]

for anyone who didnt see it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=77_VhHYb3X4

was pretty disturbing to see it happen.

Thanks for the link. It really is pretty disturbing. I can tell you there's no way something like this comes from a lack or breakfast and a viral infection. There has to be a relation also with his fractured skull. But the club, anyways, would never admit it, and that's just fine I guess.

 

[Daytripper]

All the best Kosi.

 

[hyperswivel]

Shocking vision...
Was the presenter concerned about Kosi or more about making sure the cameraman had got the shot?