Andrew Saddler, a valued club member and resident rover, is awaiting clearance from a neurologist to determine whether he can return to the field this season.

Mr Saddler sustained serious head injuries when he was allegedly assaulted by a family of four on Baylis Street in the early hours of December 4 last year after they followed him out of a Wagga hotel.

The club now fears Mr Saddler may not return to the field and his promising future could be cut short. 

“He’s waiting from the neurologist to get the all clear and we’ll go from there,” TRYC president Gavin Hofert told the Advertiser. 

“It’s one of those things – a bloke goes out for a beer and these guys jump him.

“It would be a big lost if he was not fit (to play). 

“He is a valuable member and great man around the club.”

Mr Hofert confirmed Mr Saddler had started training again, playing a bit of touch football and was “definitely better than expected”. 

But less than two months out from the season starting, other club members fear the attack will take its toll on Mr Saddler and the club. 

“We are extremely disappointed at the possibility of losing one of our best footballers,” a club member, who wished to remain anonymous out of fears of reprisal, said.

“This could potentially end the career of a wonderful footballer. He plays rep football and has the potential to coach for TRYC.”

Mr Saddler helped his team claim the Farrer League premiership in September and was awarded best on ground in the grand final.

But his efforts on the field are matched by those off the field, according to the club.

“He is an outstanding person, who is everyone’s buddy,” the man said.

“He’s really upbeat and happy, but all of a sudden, through no fault of his own, his life has changed through alcohol-fuelled violence.”

The Advertiser understands charges against the accused will be laid shortly.

“It’s just because of drunken behaviour,” the man said.

“It’s a disgust.”