Page 581 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

"I remember doing one of the first drills; it was like a handball drill and a bit of an agility drill. I
remember him calling Ross out of the drill and whispering in his ear and asking him about who is this
guy and stuff like that.

"I thought that was it. I lasted 15 minutes in the first training session and he was going to tell me to
get out because I was messing training, but in the end Ross came back and gave me a wink and said,
'Keep going . . . just wanted to know who you are', and fortunately enough it kept going from there."

The Age, September 25, 2003

By Steven Milne

“Parkside football star Ross Napoli is in "high spirits" as he continues to fight back from his serious
neck injury.

The 27-year-old wingman has regained slight feeling in his arms in the past week.

Club president Mr Don Browne-Kerr jnr described the good news as "incredible".

"He's got movement in his arms, elbows and wrist — he hugged one of his mates." Mr Browne-Kerr
said.

"It's just the start. Hopefully he gets better and better. He's going pretty well."

The former Essendon U19 and reserves and Collingwood reserves player suffered the injury in a
collision with a teammate during a Footscray District Football League first division match against
West Footscray at the Merv Hughes Oval in Footscray on Saturday, July 17.

It is believed Napoli had been told by his doctors he would never walk again.

Mr Browne-Kerr said Napoli and his family have been "absolutely blown away" by the "unbelievable
generosity" of the football world.

Channel 9's top-rating Footy Show last week auctioned off a day in the coaching box with Essendon
coach Kevin Sheedy and Collingwood coach Tony Shaw to raise money for the trust fund opened for
Napoli.

It is expected to raise $15,000 to $20,000.

The Parkside Football Club will hold a grand auction tomorrow night (Thursday) with a part of the
proceeds going to the Napoli trust.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider