Melbourne’s premiership midfielder Angus Brayshaw is retiring from football after receiving medical advice from concussion experts and doctors.
He informed his teammates on Thursday morning of the call that ends his career prematurely, saying he was “devastated that I can no longer play the game I love”.
Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy consoles Angus Brayshaw as he leaves the ground after being concussed in the qualifying finalCredit: The Age
In a statement on Thursday morning, the club said Brayshaw’s decision followed “extensive neurological testing and expert consultation, which concluded that the 28-year-old should be medically retired as a result of the concussion he sustained in the 2023 AFL qualifying final against Collingwood.”
Brayshaw had been completing a rehabilitation program which involved ongoing neuropsychological testing.
“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game that I love, but I respect the verdict of the medical professionals, and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.
“I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past decade. I have been able to live out my childhood dream and while it’s been cut short, I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved.
“I want to especially thank my teammates, my coaches and the staff at the Melbourne Football Club, for all they have done for me over the years. I also want to thank my family and my partner Danielle for their endless support. To every member and fan, thank you for your incredible support over the journey.
“Concussion is a massive issue facing our game. I hope from this, a terrible result for me personally, can come some positive outcomes for the future of player safety.”
Brayshaw has played 167 matches for the Demons and finished third in the 2018 Brownlow Medal. He was a star performer in the club’s drought-breaking 2021 premiership and is a hugely respected player having earned All-Australian nomination in 2022. He finished fourth in the Demons’ best and fairest last season.
Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy is also taking a break from the AFL until he gets in the right frame of mind to return to the fray following a concussion in the grand final that ruled him out of the decider after quarter time.
Murphy has been given a medical clearance to play but is being managed carefully after 10 concussions.
More to come
