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Caillum Brady played 18 games for the Storm in 2017 and was one of the club’s most consistent players.
On Saturday, he watched his team-mates win the BFNL premiership from the confines of a wheelchair.
Brady fractured his hip early in the Storm’s preliminary final win over Golden Square.
“It’s an injury that is normally associated with motorcycle accidents,’’ Brady said.
“The doctor who scanned it said it’s only the second time in 30 years that he’s seen this injury in footy.
“The good news is that I don’t need surgery. I’ll be right to go for round one next year.”
Brady was mobbed by team-mates in the Storm’s rooms after the game.
The defender had every right to feel disappointed at missing a flag, but he was beaming with joy for his close mates.
“I knew as I soon as I got injured that I wouldn’t be playing in the grand final,’’ Brady said.
“I’ve kept positive about it all week and to see the boys win today… I’m just ecstatic.
“I was a Strathfieldsaye junior, so to see the club win all three flags today means a lot to me. It’s unreal.
“The boys have kept me involved which has been great.
“They know what it means to me. Hopefully, I’ll get my chance to win one next year.”
It was a similar story for wingman Tom Dowd.
The premiership player made the decision on Friday night to pull out of the grand final side because of ankle injury he suffered in the second semi-final.
“I could have played, but I was probably only 70 per cent fit,’’ Dowd said.
“It was the best thing for the team. On a warm day like that you needed everyone right. I’m glad I made the decision that I did. It was the right call.
“I’m so happy for everyone. It was a huge day for the club.”