Melbourne forward Brody Mihocek is learning to be kind to himself as he works his way back from a scary neck injury he sustained in the King's Birthday clash against Collingwood.
Fears have gone into Mihocek's future in the AFL after he was wiped out for the season.
But since June, he has been making positive steps towards a full recovery, starting running and returning to the gym last month.
Speaking at the My Room Telethon on Thursday, Mihocek is slowly building his way back.
"It's a slow recovery," Mihocek said on Channel Nine.
"I learn something new every day about it. I've got to be kind to myself and take it easy some days. It's going fine. I'm getting better every day."
Mihocek initially feared his career was over, especially after spending six weeks in a neck brace.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Brody Mihocek of the Demons kicks a goal during the 2026 AFL Round 07 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
"I'm feeling a lot better, and the support's been amazing. I've had a lot of very kind messages from a lot of people," Mihocek told the club's website in June.
"I'm still obviously coming to terms with the injury. I like to think it's just another football injury, but it is pretty unique.
"To think of what could have been, I'm pretty thankful to just be up and walking and talking.
"When the feeling wasn't there, obviously your thoughts go to – 'I'm not going to be able to walk for the rest of my life'.
"I think I played out scenarios in my head pretty quickly of what life would be like, and what life would be like with a family as well.
"It's funny how quickly you can think of things in those moments, but on the day, everyone was pretty calm, and I think I tried to stay calm as well for everyone around me.
"It would have been pretty traumatising for a few. I think I held myself together pretty well, though."
