A country football team coached by Cats legend Steve Johnson has had its 2023 premiership celebrations shattered after a key player was critically injured in a Mad Monday prank.
27-year-old Yarrawonga Pigeons player Jess Koopman suffered serious injuries while lighting fireworks late on Tuesday night.
Mr Koopman was flown by air ambulance to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.
This morning he remains in a medically induced coma.
Police seized a quantity of commercial grade fireworks from the scene.
On Wednesday police raided the home of a 45-year-old man, who was later charged with posession of an explosive substance and conduct endangering life.
He is due to face court in Wangaratta in December.
A second man, 25, was also taken into custody and is currently assisting police with their investigation.
Triple premiership player Steve Johnson was recruited by the Ovens and Murray League club as non-playing coach following the 2022 season.
The move proved an instant success, with the side winning Sunday’s Grand Final clash with Albury by 4 points.
