AFL great Sam Newman has revealed he may be forced to have his foot amputated after ongoing surgeries have failed to relieve the searing pain in his right ankle.
The 79-year-old, who played 300 games for Geelong, underwent a third operation last week, this time to insert screws near a metal joint that replaced his original ankle earlier this year.
With no guarantee the procedure will ease his discomfort, Newman is reluctantly considering drastic options.
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“There are not that many alternatives left”
Speaking to The Herald Sun, Newman said: “It is not practicable to walk around with the pain as it is, it is not practicable to take pain killers all the rest of your life. The other viable option is to have it removed, amputated.”
He described the potential amputation as “pretty drastic,” adding he is holding out hope that the latest surgery brings enough relief to avoid that path.
Newman’s ankle issues stem from multiple football injuries, compounded over time. A 2021 fusion surgery offered little respite, and the pain has since escalated to the point where he struggles to walk 50 metres.
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Despite the physical toll, Newman is eager to stay active. He hopes to embark on a caravan trip up the coast with long-time friend Sue Stanley in six weeks if recovery permits.
“I would not have had any of the operations unless they were necessary,” he said. “I just hope to be reasonably pain-free.”