Cole Hamersley receives Dockers Bravery Award for displaying immense courage after Wagin dirt bike crash

Cole Hamersley was one of seven children to receive a Dockers Bravery Award in Perth on August 24 in recognition of the courage he displayed during a six-week hospital stay following a dirt bike crash in Wagin. Cole and the other recipients were able to spend time with Fremantle AFL and AFLW players at the event and listened as their stories of strength were read. Cole spent 11 days in ICU at Fiona Stanley Hospital after the crash that occurred on his family’s farm in June. The crash resulted in a badly broken foot that required seven surgeries and and a variety of treatments including leech therapy and a leg splint. Being laid up away from home was tough but hospital staff said the 15-year-old was always positive and polite as he faced the challenges of recuperation with a strong sense of humour. The AJ Diamond Club Dockers Bravery Awards are the result of a 28-year-long partnership between the South Metropolitan Health Service and the Dockers. Freo’s therapy dog Winnie also came along to congratulate the children. The children’s families and hospital paediatric staff were also celebrated and recognised at the event.