Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy’s football future is clouded after he suffered a 10th concussion across his junior and AFL career in the grand final, reports The Herald Sun.
Murphy’s fate could be determined by the AFL’s medical concussion panel after the 23-year old’s ongoing run with head knocks continued following an accidental collision with Brisbane’s Lincoln McCarthy in the first quarter of last month’s decider.
Though Murphy passed a concussion test, he made the call to sub himself out of the game for Patrick Lipinski due to reporting blurred vision, telling The Herald Sun he “couldn’t really see” coach Craig McRae at the quarter-time huddle.
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“When that happened I said that’s probably enough for me,” he told the Herald Sun.
“After the head knock I passed the test but came out with blurry vision so I ruled myself out.
“I didn’t think I was up to it. With my history I get delayed symptoms.
“I thought it was the best thing and right now it paid off because I have got a premiership.’’
The Herald Sun reports Murphy didn’t drink alcohol during Collingwood’s premiership celebrations on Saturday night and Sunday and that he was still feeling the effects of the knock on Monday.
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It’s believed the courageous backman’s family and friends have expressed concern about whether he should continue playing football.
Drafted with Pick 39 in the 2017 National Draft, Murphy has quickly developed into a key cog in the Magpies’ back six under McRae alongside the likes of Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe and Isaac Quaynor.
Murphy has played 40 of his 57 career games over the last two seasons including making 24 appearances this year.
The report states the AFL’s general counsel Stephen Meade is expected to make a recommendation to Murphy imminently.
The concussion panel earlier this recommended Sydney’s Patrick McCartin retire after he’s suffered nine career concussions – including eight at St Kilda.
