Brisbane Lions veteran Marcus Adams has made the heartbreaking decision to retire from the AFL, having battled concussion symptoms since the back end of last season.
The 30-year-old defender has been unable to take the field since a round 21 clash with Carlton in 2022, suffering ongoing headaches and other concerns since the ordeal.
Marcus Adams has been forced to retire from the AFL.Credit: Getty Images
He leaves the game with 73 caps to his credit between stints with the Lions and Western Bulldogs.
Fellow Lions defender Jack Payne told media at the start of August that Adams rarely came to the club, which the latter alluded to as he addressed the squad to reveal his retirement.
“It’s obviously time for me to give it away officially, even though I haven’t really been here much throughout the entire year,” Adams said.
“It’s tough to officially do it. I’ve sort of been waiting for the time to come where I might feel good enough to start training or do something again to try and get back to playing, but it unfortunately hasn’t happened for me yet.
“It’s been such a pleasure to come to work each day with you guys. I’ve enjoyed, I guess not every single moment of it, because there’s obviously tough times along the way where you get sh***y and things are tough, but as a whole, I look back on the whole thing with nothing but good memories.
“Everyone comes to work each day and tries to get better, and it’s been such a pleasure to be part of, and a pleasure to watch this year from afar, seeing how well you guys have been playing.
“It’s hard knowing I won’t get to be part of it any more, but I’ll enjoy watching you guys from afar for a long time.”
Lions coach Chris Fagan became overcome with emotion when discussing Adams to the playing group, declaring through tears: “When we run out for the finals, we run that with you in our heads, and we’ll do our best.”
Marcus Adams pictured being assisted by trainers during round 21 last season.Credit: Russell Freeman, Getty Images
Adams made the decision in consultation with the Lions’ medical team and AFL medical specialists.
He follows other 2023 AFL retirees due to concussion in Hawthorn’s Max Lynch, Adelaide’s Paul Seedsman, and Sydney’s Paddy McCartin.
The Brisbane Lions’ general manager of football, Danny Daly, thanked Adams for his contribution and offered the club’s ongoing support.
“While it has been a challenging 12 months for Marcus, we have all admired the way he has handled the situation, which speaks volumes of him as a person and professional,” he said.
Chris Fagan was emotional in paying tribute to Marcus Adams.Credit: AFL Photos
“The health and wellbeing of all players and staff is always our main priority, and all we want for Marcus is for him to be fit, healthy and happy.
“On the field, Marcus was an important player for us as a reliable, strong defender, and off the field, he was very popular among his teammates and Lions fans alike.
“Marcus and his family will always be part of the Brisbane Lions family, and we wish him all the best for life after football and will always be here for him.”
