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How North Melbourne AFL star became the face of tragedy when all he wanted to do was recover in privacy after sustaining HORRIFIED injuries in the Bali bombings 20 years ago
- Ex-AFL star Jason McCartney drank in Paddy’s Bar during Bali bombings
- Sari Club was also targeted, 88 Aussies lost their lives in the terrorist attack
- October 12 marks 20 years since bombing shook the Indonesian nation
- McCartney nearly died in a Melbourne hospital, returned to AFL footy in 2003
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Former North Melbourne AFL star Jason McCartney was lucky enough to escape with his life after the Bali bombings in 2002 – he then became a public face of the tragedy when all he wanted to do was recover in privacy.
Now the list manager of the GWS Giants in Sydney, McCartney suffered severe second-degree burns to more than 50 percent of his body for nearly 20 years to the day in Indonesia.
The now 48-year-old was drinking in Paddy’s Bar when the first bomb exploded – and a pandemonium ensued.
Twenty seconds later, a second – and much more powerful – car bomb, hidden in a white van, was detonated by a suicide bomber outside the Sari Club.
Shockingly, 88 innocent Australians lost their lives on October 12, with a final death toll of 202.
Former North Melbourne AFL star Jason McCartney was lucky enough to escape with his life after the Bali bombings in 2002 (pictured, after his triumphant return to the sport in 2003)
When the AFL star returned to Melbourne for more surgeries, he nearly died on the operating table
McCartney was flown back to Melbourne for further treatment – and died with shocking injuries almost on the operating table at The Alfred.
His status as an AFL star allowed his painful recovery to get a lot of attention – which McCartney didn’t want, but accepts is ‘an essential part’ of being a professional athlete.
“There were times when I was in excruciating pain and put on a brave face, but was constantly followed,” he told the ABC.
“I didn’t want a spotlight, but as an AFL footballer it’s part of it.
“When your story is so public, there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Then, in one of the more notable global sports stories, McCartney returned to the AFL on June 6, 2003.
In emotional scenes, the veteran key striker lined up for North Melbourne against Richmond at Marvel Stadium, then known as Docklands Stadium.
A total of 202 people were killed in the bombings, including 88 Aussies on October 12, 2002 in Bali
McCartney suffered second-degree burns over more than 50 percent of his body and has emphasized the importance of supporting survivors ahead of the 20th anniversary
McCartney kicked a goal in the three-point win and promptly retired at full-time, elated to properly hang his shoes.
As Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings, McCartney knows that the survivors are all dealing with it differently.
‘I’m really comfortable talking about it because I was in the spotlight [as an AFL player],’ he said.
I’ve talked about it over and over and I know it’s helped me through that recovery phase.
“I think the best thing people can do is be aware that everyone handles things very differently.
“It’s just about being really caring and supportive.”