- The Melbourne Demons star was knocked out in the final last year
- The concussion was on top of other problematic head impacts
- Played in the team that won the 2021 premiership
Melbourne Premiership player Angus Brayshaw has been forced to retire following the concussion he suffered in last year’s AFL final.
The 28-year-old informed the club on Thursday that he would retire from football with immediate effect following extensive neurological tests.
Brayshaw suffered a concussion after Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard tried to smother the Demons midfielder’s kick in the first quarter of the qualifying final.
Maynard escaped a ban over the controversial bump, which divided the football world and prompted the AFL to tinker with rules on throttling.
“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game I love, but I respect the judgment of the medical professionals and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.
Brayshaw (pictured last year) will be remembered by Demons fans for the courageous goal that turned the tide in the club’s 2021 grand final victory
The star is pictured being carted off in last year’s finals series after being eliminated by Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard. The hit proved to be the last straw for Brayshaw’s career
‘I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past ten years. I was able to realize my childhood dream, and even though it may have fallen apart, I am forever grateful to everyone involved.
“I would especially like to thank my teammates, my coaches and the staff at the Melbourne Football Club for everything they have done for me over the years.
‘I would also like to thank my family and my partner Danielle for their endless support. To every member and fan, thank you for your incredible support along the journey.
“Concussion is a major problem in our sport.
“I hope that this, a terrible outcome for me personally, can yield some positive results for the future of player safety.”
Brayshaw was ruled out of the Demons’ finals campaign and eventually returned to a modified training programme.
The 28-year-old (pictured with fiancée Danielle Frawley) said he was ‘able to fulfill my childhood dream’ during his 167-game career
Brayshaw (pictured with Frawley at the 2022 Brownlow Medal ceremony) had to take a break from playing football in 2017 after suffering head impacts
But Melbourne said a recent scan showed ‘microscopic changes’ in Brayshaw’s brain since the concussion.
“Today is a tough day for Angus and everyone involved, given his love for the club and the game and how much he means to our people,” Melbourne CEO Gary Pert said.
“He has been a respected, influential leader of the playing group, while at the same time being a much-loved personality who brought great fun and laughter to his teammates and staff every day.”
Brayshaw retires after making 167 appearances, including the Demons’ victory in the 2021 grand final, since his debut in 2015.
He suffered significant concussions early in his career, causing him to take an extended break in 2017.
It comes after Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy was placed on a modified training program indefinitely last week after suffering a concussion during last year’s grand final win against the Brisbane Lions.
Former St Kilda and Sydney man Paddy McCartin retired last August due to ongoing concussion issues.