An update on Mitch O’Neill

Dear Norwood Members & Supporters,

You would have been aware that Redlegs midfielder Mitch O’Neill has been on the sidelines for the last couple of rounds due to an ankle injury. He injured his ankle against South Adelaide in Round 6, but in that time he has been diagnosed and dealing with a serious medical condition.

Four weeks ago Mitch was diagnosed with a condition called Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). It is a rare disorder where the body makes too many Langerhans cells, which are a type of immune cell and can affect various organs or body parts. In Mitch’s case it is his hip.

While the condition is technically NOT a cancer (which is positive for Mitch), it can behave like cancer and is treated by cancer specialists. Mitch is currently under the supervision of a specialist and undergoing treatment for the next six months.

Mitch is a well-loved teammate at the club. The club and playing group has thrown its full support behind Mitch in this challenging time.

Mitch, his family and the club are very hopeful of a successful treatment plan and we hope to see him back to full heath and fitness, and running out onto Norwood Oval in Round 1 of the 2026 season.