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AAP
AAP
Sport
Joanna Guelas and Shayne Hope

How Blues youngster went from hospital to wildcard win

Cooper Lord has beaten a serious leg infection to play a part in the Carlton's rejuvenation. (Adam Trafford/AAP PHOTOS)

From a nightmare stint in hospital to living out his AFL dream on the finals stage, Carlton youngster Cooper Lord is riding the wave of a "crazy" 2026 journey.

It was in April when the 21-year-old was forced to watch the Blues suffer a round-three defeat to Melbourne from hospital after undergoing surgery for a severe infection in his leg.

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