- Angus Brayshaw is back at Melbourne Football Club
- The 28-year-old retired due to a concussion
- But he has been given a part-time coaching role
Less than a month after medically retiring from the AFL, Angus Brayshaw is already back on the bench in Melbourne.
The former midfielder, who retired in February due to repeated concussions, has joined the Demons’ coaching staff on a part-time basis, working mainly from the bench on matchdays.
Brayshaw, 28, was on the Demons’ bench for the first time as coach during Sunday’s 45-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
“He’s going to start contributing to some of the part-time work later this week,” Goodwin said.
“He wants to be with our group, obviously on game day, and just help with the bench coaching.
Angus Brayshaw has accepted a part-time coaching role with the Melbourne Demons
The 28-year-old was forced to retire due to concussion issues
“He brings huge energy to our club and today was the first step of that and we’re just continuing to assess what that looks like.
‘It was his first crack, so he was good. He was very positive there, and that’s what you want.
‘Yes, we want our players to come onto the field with a really positive attitude, because that’s when people really grow.’
Goodwin said he would consult with Brayshaw over a cup of coffee later in the week.
Brayshaw’s coaching role is not related to his playing contract.
The AFL will have to make a decision on whether Brayshaw’s salary, which is expected to be paid in full, will be included in Melbourne’s salary cap or exempt.
There were many blue helmets among the Melbourne fans in the crowd on Sunday in tribute to Brayshaw’s career.
“Angus is a big part of our football club today,” Goodwin said.
“We love what he brings to our football club, we have done so for a long time and he is an important person for us.
Brayshaw was spotted on Melbourne’s bench during Sunday’s match
The Demons defeated the Western Bulldogs in their first match of the new season
‘It’s great that our supporters can show what Angus means to them.
“We have a little award that we give internally called the ‘Demon Spirit’ award, we have that (Brayshaw’s) helmet as part of our journey for this year.
“And our supporters clearly believed in that.”
Goodwin said it was “a bit much” to suggest Melbourne dedicated their season to the midfielder.
“But there is certainly a legacy he has left at our club,” he added.
“There’s a legacy he was able to leave in our culture, the way we do business, the way we train, the way we set standards, the way we perform.
“And he’s a big part of that, he left a legacy and we want to honor that.”