A local footy captain in Melbourne’s north is still recovering six weeks after a “traumatic” facial injury.

Whittlesea’s Xavier Dimasi was rushed to hospital during a game against Watsonia in the Northern Football Netball League on April 12.

The longtime skipper was celebrating his 100th game for the club when he copped a big hit in the last quarter.

He hasn’t been able to work since, and still has weeks of recovery ahead of him.

“Xavier has been more than a player,” Whittlesea Football Netball Club wrote in a post on Facebook.

“He’s been a leader, a mentor to our juniors, and a genuine role model on and off the field. His commitment to our club and our young players is second to none — always the first to lend a hand, offer a word of encouragement, or give back to the community that he loves.

“A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Xavier and his family with the financial strain of treatment and recovery. Any contribution — big or small — will go a long way in helping ease the burden and get our captain back on his feet.”

The GoFundMe page details the full extent of the former Box Hill VFL player’s battle.

“The accident resulted in multiple fractures throughout his face, a significant concussion, lacerations to his face and dental damage,” GoFundMe organisers Jaron Murphy and Augusta Dimasi wrote.

“The severe injuries required huge reconstructive surgery to Xavier’s face, where six plates have been inserted to repair the damage, as well as a palatal splint to keep his jaw in place while his bones heal.

“Recovery from the traumatic accident has been extremely painful, drawn out and debilitating for Xavier, whilst placing enormous pressure on his partner, Brigid.

“As a result of the extent of Xavier’s injuries and pain, he has been unable to work since the accident and isn’t expected to return to work for a least another month.

“Brigid has been providing Xavier with full time care, requiring her to rely on her own sick leave to ensure Xav is cared for. With mounting financial pressure and all available leave utilised, Brigid has had to return to work, taking breaks throughout the day to care for Xavier.

“With medical and dental appointments continuing for the next few months, they are under significant pressure to balance health and the costs of recovery.

“Any show of support for Xavier and Brigid will be deeply appreciated during this time and will be used to aid Xavier in his recovery with ongoing medical and dental appointments, procedures and expenses.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.