TSL Tiger Nic Baker suffers serious workplace injury
A star TSL player has suffered serious injuries in a freak workplace accident, prompting his coach to say “I don’t want to see the pictures”. WARNING: GRAPHIC >
A LEADING State League player could miss the rest of the season after cutting off a finger in a workplace accident.
As the Tigers prepare for their critical TSL clash with Clarence at Blundstone Arena on Saturday, coach Trent Baumeler revealed midfielder Nic Baker cut off a finger on his left hand on a worksite last Thursday.
The 23-year-old apprentice builder severed the index finger on his left hand using a drop-saw.
Fortunately, Baker’s finger was able to be re-attached and the club reports that he is making a good recovery.
Baumeler said photos of the injury were so blood curdling he could not bring himself to look at them.
The “after shot” illustrated a likely positive outcome for the Tigers’ young gun.
“I’ve seen some pictures of the ‘other side’ of it but I don’t want to see pictures of the other one [before shot].
“Luckily they have been able to re-attach it.
“He has gone through a couple of surgeries and everything has gone really well.”
The former Tasmania Devil, potential AFL Draft prospect and Lauderdale midfielder will be sidelined indefinitely.
“Nick could be out for six to eight weeks, or it could be season gone,” Baumeler said.
“We wrap our arms around Nick and look after him because he is such a good great guy around our footy club.”
Baumeler was one of the first to know of Baker’s injury.
“He rang me from the hospital and I think he was in a bit of shock,” he said.
“They were able to do some surgery on it on Thursday night, clean it out, and it got re-attached on Friday morning. He was home on Saturday.
“It was a pretty quick process and from all reports it is going really well, the best they could hope for.
“He’s got a bit of movement and sensation in it at the moment, which is really positive.
“About the six-week mark is where they can tell how the nerves are going and when you can really start your rehab.
“He’s in good spirits and the boys are engaging with him so hopefully he will recovery really well.”
Clarence has lost six players with Keren Howlett the only regular senior player among the players coming in.
Originally published as TSL Tiger Nic Baker suffers serious workplace injury
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