A Moment of Humor and Concern for Hawthorn’s Physio
During the fourth quarter of Hawthorn’s match against Collingwood on Thursday night, head physio Andrew Lambert found himself in an unexpected and awkward situation. As the ball came in his direction on the wing, Lambert was trying to move away to avoid giving away a free kick or interfering with the play. However, Collingwood’s Lachie Schultz took a mark right in front of him, leading to a moment that would become a talking point among fans and commentators alike.
As Lambert attempted to flee the area, he slipped over twice, grimacing in pain as he got back up. The incident was captured by commentator Mark Howard, who exclaimed, “Trainer’s down! Hopefully all is OK, doesn’t look good,” as the crowd gasped in disbelief. North Melbourne great David King added, “It would look weird getting a trainer to come out and assess another trainer.”
The Pies kept possession and kicked it around without much fuss as Lambert, hands on hips, walked slowly off the field. Once he reached the bench, he bravely got back to work, helping captain James Sicily strap his ankle. However, it has since been revealed that Lambert actually suffered tendon damage in both of his hamstrings as a result of the tumbles, according to journalist Xander McGuire.
He will need surgery to correct the more severely damaged one and is expected to miss the club’s clash with Fremantle next week. It will be one of his first absences from a Hawthorn match day in over 20 years.
Lambert is clearly well respected within the four walls at Hawthorn, with club legend Luke Hodge departing his broadcast duties early after the game to head into the rooms and check on him, according to Kane Cornes. “Hodgey raced down after the game and said ‘I’ve got to go check on the physio’. Clearly he had a long relationship with him. Hodgey was quite worried,” Cornes told SEN on Monday.
“He looked like he’d done his ACL,” David King said in reply. “Do you think Hawthorn will put him in their injury report this week?”
Hodge captained the Hawks to three successive premierships and played in four total for the club. Other Hawthorn greats including Isaac Smith also reportedly checked in on Lambert after the match.
Smith found the moment comical in the moment, laughing at the tumble during the Triple M radio coverage of the game. “He’s had a mare. The runners have got slippery,” Smith laughed. “He’s a good physio, he’ll be able to fix it. He’s the best in the business. One of the great men, Andrew Lambert and he likes taking the piss out of everyone, so that’ll be highlighted Monday in the review. I might sneak down (to training).”
The Hawks left Thursday night with two points after a draw with the Magpies, thanks to a Dylan Moore goal after the siren. While the team managed to secure a draw, the incident involving Lambert highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of having a dedicated and skilled support staff.
Impact on the Team and Future Expectations
Andrew Lambert’s injury has not only affected his personal schedule but also raised concerns about the team’s preparation for upcoming matches. His absence could potentially impact the team’s performance, especially considering his role in ensuring players are in optimal condition. The medical team will now have to step up their efforts to manage the players’ health and prevent further injuries.
The incident also sparked a conversation about the physical demands of the game and the need for better safety measures on the field. While slips and falls are common in sports, the severity of Lambert’s injury underscores the importance of proper footwear and field conditions.
Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Lambert will make a full recovery and return to his role as one of the most respected physios in the league. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the success of the Hawthorn team over the years, and his absence will be felt both on and off the field.
As the team prepares for their next match, they will be relying on their remaining medical staff to ensure that all players are ready to perform at their best. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those behind the scenes, who often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in the success of the team.
With Lambert’s return likely to be a key focus for the club, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his progress and hoping for a swift recovery. His resilience and commitment to his job have earned him the respect of players and fans alike, and his absence is a loss that the team will strive to overcome.
