Wodonga on-baller Zac Brain returns from horror facial injuries

Concussion has become the buzz word in world sport in recent years following frightening revelations of the impact of head knocks in the NFL, while current Australian rugby league captain Boyd Cordner was forced to retire earlier this week after repeated concussions.

The courageous Brain suffered four fractures - cheekbone, nose, jaw and eye socket - from a head clash while playing for Nightcliff in Darwin.

"It was the 'quad' fracture as they called it, the four big ones," he revealed.

"It certainly crossed my mind about retirement.

"Every concussion is different, but I probably decided after that if I had another one, that would probably be it."

Brain, who turned 27 last week, admits it took time to regain his confidence, both physically and mentally, which is no surprise given the 'car crash' type injuries.

However, he didn't allow himself to think about it when he returned to the field on his return for Wodonga in the pre-season.

"I think one of the first contests I put my head over the ball and took a hit and that certainly helped my confidence," he suggested.

Brain has an interesting background in that he's one of 13 children.

His father Greg was a fiercely competitive footballer in the Farrer Football League, with Zac playing his junior football and attending school with Bulldogs' coach Jordan Taylor at Finley.

Greg and wife Michelle's children range from 37 years to 13.

"I was number six and there was never a drama if some of your mates couldn't come over and play, there was always plenty at home to play against," Brain laughed.

"We're all very competitive and I think that's where it came from."

Brain is actually the fourth brother to play in the O and M with James at North Albury and Albury, Brendan at Albury and Jed at Corowa-Rutherglen.

A plumber by trade, the well spoken Brain is now studying first year animal science at university in Wagga.

"I always wanted to be a vet, but I thought if I didn't do it now, I would never do it," he admitted.

Brain had some important touches in last week's upset of premiers Lavington.

It was a superb effort from the Bulldogs, but they were helped enormously by the late addition of VFL players Hudson Garoni and Harry Jones, plus former Melbourne-listed ruckman Mitch King.

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That star trio will be missing in Saturday's home game against Corowa-Rutherglen and given the season is realistically over for the loser, it should be a fierce contest.

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