Peter Riccardi, a well-respected figure in the world of Australian Rules Football, has recently shared the frightening ordeal his family faced when his son Osca was placed on life support following a sudden health crisis. The Geelong Cats icon opened up about the distressing experience in a heartfelt interview, revealing the emotional rollercoaster that gripped his family.
Osca, who had been previously drafted by the Cats and later de-listed, was struck by a mysterious illness that left him in a coma. Despite being advised by doctors to prepare for the worst, Osca has made a remarkable recovery. Riccardi recounted the harrowing journey on K-Rock’s Beyond The Boundary podcast, expressing the profound uncertainty that still lingers about how Osca, just 19, developed a severe brain infection.
The ordeal began innocuously enough. Osca spent a typical day out with friends, enjoying the beach and a game of bowling before heading to bed feeling slightly unwell. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated overnight, progressing from mild discomfort to an alarming state where he could neither talk nor walk by the next day. Riccardi credits his wife Mel’s quick decision to rush Osca to the hospital as potentially life-saving, emphasizing how fortunate they were that she was home at that critical moment.
Upon reaching the hospital, Osca underwent scans that revealed significant brain swelling, likely exacerbated by a combination of a sinus infection, an ear infection, and glandular fever. This alarming discovery led doctors to place him in an induced coma for three days. Riccardi described the emotional impact of seeing his son on life support and the doctors’ warnings to prepare for any outcome, a devastating prospect for any parent.
Miraculously, Osca’s condition improved, and he has since returned home, continuing his recovery. Riccardi reflected on the incredible transformation from seeing his son on life support to witnessing his gradual return to normalcy. This profound experience underscored the critical role of timely medical intervention and a touch of what he described as “mother’s intuition.”
Now, the Riccardi family is focused on Osca’s long-term recovery, with a neuro specialist’s appointment set to chart the next steps. Optimism surrounds Osca’s future, with early signs indicating a full recovery. Already, Osca is eyeing a return to his football pursuits, remaining involved with the Cats’ VFL program and the Bell Park Dragons in the AFL Barwon League.
Peter Riccardi, who earned the Geelong Football Club’s best and fairest award in 1998 and played in two AFL grand finals, remains a beloved figure in the sport. His family’s recent trials and Osca’s inspiring recovery add a poignant chapter to his legacy, illustrating the resilience and strength that define both his personal and professional life.
