Rising Aussie footy player left unable to speak after horror accident

An Australian teen was left unable to walk and speak after a horrific car accident while he was travelling to a footy event.  

Darcy Metcalf, 17, was on his way to a photo session with his Northern Knight Cats footy team in the northern suburbs of Perth when the accident happened in July 2023.

The crash happened only 200m from the footy club, and many of his teammates watched it unfold.

The accident left Darcy with multiple broken bones and a catastrophic brain injury that required four months of treatment in intensive care at Royal Perth Hospital.

Initially, doctors feared for his survival, doubting he would leave the intensive care unit let alone recover enough to be moved to a hospital ward or return home.

But against all odds, the teenager was discharged from ICU and is now undergoing rehabilitation at the Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Family friend Chailee Richards told Daily Mail Australia that the teen’s recovery was slow but moving forward every day.

‘His competitive streak took over and passion for the game saw him become one of the loudest and fiercest competitors on the ground,’ Ms Richards said.

‘He has reached the point where he’s desperate to be home with his family, and his medical team are working towards discharging him within the next eight weeks,’ she said.

Ms Richards told Daily Mail Australia that Darcy has recently been discharged to spend a day or two at home with his family. 

The family had set up a hospital bed in the living room, along with a curtain for privacy when he needs to be changed. 

‘He’s a 17-year-old with no privacy. That’s not sustainable for a young man,’ she said.

She has now launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help transform the family’s garage into an independent living quarter for Darcy, giving him the privacy he needs. 

‘Darcy’s home isn’t designed for the level of round-the-clock care he’ll need. 

‘He can’t safely make it down the narrow hallway to his bedroom, and the bathroom and toilet are too small to close the door and give him the privacy and dignity he deserves.’

Ms Richards said that the building costs will exceed $100,000, and a van will be needed to transport the teenager to his medical appointments long-term, which will cost between $60,000 and $70,000. 

Before the accident, the family had two incomes. Now, they rely on a single income because Darcy’s mum had become his full-time carer. 

‘The family are overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,’ Ms Richards said.  

‘What’s saddest about Darcy’s story is that his accident happened just as his family started to see Darcy blossom and come into his own, with conviction in himself and big dreams for his future.’

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Ms Richards said Darcy had been in Year 11 at the time of the crash and had missed out on many important events.

‘The ball, the Year 11 dinner-dance, the Year 12 retreat – all those special moments,’ she said.

Many of his footy teammates witnessed the horrific accident, she explained.

‘These boys have gone through something traumatic at a very vulnerable age.

‘They’ve all shed tears, some have broken down, and it’s been humbling to see them open up and show their vulnerability.’

She described Darcy as a ‘shy, unassuming kid’ who ‘never caused his family any trouble’ — but on the footy field, he shone.

‘His passion for the game and his teammates was so apparent – everyone loved seeing him come out of his shell and be one of the loudest and fiercest competitors come game day,’ Ms Richards said.