Collingwood player Nathan Murphy has been forced into early retirement on medical advice, due to a string of concussions sustained by the 24-year-old throughout his AFL career.
The 2023 premiership player suffered the 10th concussion of his career in last year’s grand final and was ruled out of match simulation training on the eve of the season in February. He has not taken to the field since.
After extensive consultation with the league’s medical concussion panel, the decision was taken to immediately call time on his career after just 57 games.
He becomes the second AFL player this year, after Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw in February, to retire prematurely on medical advice around concussion.
Murphy informed Pies teammates and staff of the decision on Tuesday morning.
“I feel it is the right time and the right decision for me to hang up my footy boots,” Murphy said. “I love my football, but my priority is on my future and ensuring I live a full and healthy life.
“I’d like to thank the club, coaches, teammates, staff and the Magpie Army for all their support throughout my playing career and for allowing me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing AFL.
“To my family and friends, I couldn’t have gone through this journey without your continued love and support, which I am so grateful for.
