Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Gus Teixeira recovers from iron deficiency after standout junior season
Gus Teixeira is a highly rated Australian rules football prospect who played much of his junior season while feeling unusually tired.
The Sandringham Dragons midfielder-forward struggled to run during games and warm-ups, even though he was known as a hard worker.
Tests found a significant iron deficiency and a weakened immune system, and doctors said he was tracking towards glandular fever.
An iron infusion helped him recover, though a right calf injury later limited his playing time.
Despite those problems, he earned All-Australian honours and helped Victoria Metro win the national title.
His coach says his power, speed and ability to break from stoppages make him a strong midfield prospect, and he is expected to be picked among the first eight or nine selections in the AFL draft.
Gus Teixeira says he is feeling much better after being diagnosed with a significant iron deficiency and receiving an iron infusion.
The midfielder-forward endured months of fatigue during his standout junior season, including at the under-18 championships.
Despite his health problems, he earned All-Australian honours and helped Victoria Metro win the national title.
A later right calf injury limited him to one Talent League appearance in the season’s second half.
Teixeira is considered one of the leading prospects for the AFL draft.
- Who
- Gus Teixeira, a Sandringham Dragons midfielder-forward and AFL draft prospect.
- What
- He recovered after an iron deficiency was diagnosed and treated with an iron infusion.
- When
- The problems began in April 2026; the article was published on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Teixeira played for the Sandringham Dragons and Victoria Metro in Australian junior football.
- Why
- He had a significant iron deficiency, a lowered immune system and was tracking towards glandular fever.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Teixeira’s fatigue problems began.
The under-18 championships ended while Teixeira was still affected by his health problems.
Teixeira was tested, diagnosed with a significant iron deficiency and received an iron infusion.
A right calf injury limited Teixeira to one appearance, in the Dragons’ preliminary-final loss to Gippsland Power.
- Diagnosis
- Significant iron deficiency
- Treatment
- Iron infusion
- Championship honours
- All-Australian
- Victoria Metro
- Won the national under-18 title
- Preliminary final
- Sandringham Dragons lost to Gippsland Power by two points
- Draft outlook
- The article said Teixeira was expected to be selected within the first eight or nine picks
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What people are saying
I had an iron infusion, and now I’m feeling so much better, and I’m not sick any more.
I knew there was something wrong, but I just kept going – I wanted to play.
What he’s done this year under sufferance, not being 100 per cent, is seriously impressive.