Sylvia in stable condition following balcony fall

Former Melbourne and Fremantle player Colin Sylvia is in a stable condition in hospital after falling from a balcony on the weekend.

Sylvia suffered a fractured neck and bleeding on the brain as a result of a nasty fall.

The 31-year-old posted a picture to Instagram after the fall, writing that it was "not an ideal start to the weekend" and that he was "extremely lucky".

The former No.3 draft pick played 163 games for Melbourne and Fremantle over a 10 year career.

Not an ideal start to the weekend.... Very lucky your not supposed to fall off balconys apparently!! I'd have to agree - fractured my neck & bleeding to the brain. Extremely lucky 😳🙌🏼😁 Doing a great job the team down here at the Alfred 👌🏼🏥 #wakeupcall #eyeopener 😳👀 Be careful & stay safe everyone 🙏🏼

A photo posted by Colin Sylvia (@colsylvia) on Dec 10, 2016 at 6:53am PST