McQuillan was left paralysed after a collision in the April 5 match between Albury Tigers and Yarrawonga Pigeons.

The 20-year-old played for the Bendigo Bank Pioneers in TAC Cup matches.

Team-mates in his Bendigo Pioneers playing days included Jake Stringer, now at Western Bulldogs, and Port Power onballer-midfielder Ollie Wines.

McQuillan also played in Echuca representative teams with Wines and Melbourne’s Jack Viney.

A third-year physiotherapy student, McQuillan completed a four-week placement at St John of God Hospital in Bendigo in 2013.

He trained with Strathfieldsaye Storm Football Club during his stint in Bendigo and went on to play finals for the Tigers.

The fund-raising breakfast will be held at Green Olive Warehouse, Eve Court, Bendigo.

There will be sittings at 7am and 9am.

Paralympic and world championship wheelchair basketball star Shelley Chaplin from Harcourt will be special guest speaker at the event.

Chaplin played a key role as the Australian Gliders won silver at the 2012 London Paralympics.

Tickets for the August 15 breakfast are $30 and available at OPSM in Queen Street, at St John of God Hospital Allied Health reception or from Steve Monigatti on 0413 310 174.