Brid Stack has admitted she's 'devastated' but counting her blessings after suffering a neck injury in her AFLW pre-season debut on Sunday.
The 11-time All Ireland winner was rushed to hospital with a suspected serious neck injury after a collision with Adelaide Crows player Ebony Marinoff.
And after spending the night in hospital, scans revealed the Cork great suffered a stable fracture of the C7 vertebrae as she was released.
However, she now faces a long road to recovery and will begin rehabilitation working towards a return Down Under.
And in a message to fans, Stack thanked those who sent messages of support and paid tribute to her son Carthach Jr.
"Devastated but counting my blessings. Looking forward to rehab once cleared to do so," Stack said on Twitter.
"Thanks for all the lovely messages, to all involved with @GWSGIANTS, to the exemplary healthcare staff in Adelaide & to a little man whose hugs make everything better".
Meanwhile, Adelaide Cows have confirmed that they will appeal a three-game suspension handed to Marinoff on the grounds that it is "unreasonable" and "excessive".
The club's Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said: “We are appealing this decision because we all feel that the suspension is grossly disproportionate for the action.
“We need to support our player in this instance as we feel Ebony acted in an appropriate manner given the circumstances of this incident.
“We also feel for the Giants and Brid in particular and wish her all the best for what is hopefully a speedy recovery.”
