The strength of the Perth Football League community has once again been on full display, with Kingsley Football Club rallying around teammate Peter Atkinson or “Pako”, following a devastating injury sustained during a Budget Car and Truck Rental C2 clash with Ballajura, late last month.

Pako suffered a horrific knee injury during the contest, with the damage extending far beyond a typical football setback. He sustained a broken tibia, along with torn ACL and PCL ligaments, an injury that requires complex surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period that can range from 9 to 12 months or possibly longer. Following the incident, he underwent emergency surgery, where rods were inserted into his upper and lower leg to stabilise the injury, with further operations still to come.

"The club was shocked at the severity and immediately wanted to help in any way we could,” Kingsley President Steven Roberts said.

Wanting to provide practical support during what will be a lengthy recovery, Kingsley League coach Andrew Fisher established a GoFundMe campaign shortly after the injury.

The extent of the injury sent shockwaves through the Kingsley Football Club and the response from the football community was immediate.

Within days, more than 100 people had donated, raising over $8,000 towards a $12,000 target. The overwhelming generosity from teammates, opponents, supporters and the wider football community has provided both financial assistance and a reminder that no one faces recovery alone.

For Pako, who has only been at Kingsley for the past two seasons, the outpouring of support has been deeply meaningful.

The club said he has been “very appreciative of the support” and has felt the strength of the Kingsley community throughout the early stages of his recovery.

While football often centres around wins, losses and premiership ambitions, moments like these highlight what community sport is truly about.

“It's a reminder that what we have at Kingsley is hard to replicate,” Roberts said.

“Time and time again we get around our own, and it's something that we are really proud of. It's more than just footy.”

As Pako begins the long road back from one of the most serious injuries a footballer can experience, he does so knowing he has an entire club and the broader Perth Football League community standing behind him every step of the way.