John Platten, who says he’s in pain ‘24 hours a day’, backs Brad Symes’ decision to retire

SA FOOTY legend John Platten supports Brad Symes’ decision to walk away from football, saying he lives with constant pain from his playing days.

Former Crows, Power and Central District player Brad Symes with son Harper after announci

SA FOOTY legend John Platten is fully supportive of Brad Symes’ decision to walk away from football, saying he lives with constant pain from the knocks he took to his head and body during his playing days.

Platten suffered countless concussions during a career which spanned almost 400 games for Hawthorn, Central District and South Australia and is paying the price today.

He had a hip replacement six years ago, will have both knees replaced in the next few years and lives with constant head, neck and back pain.

“I’m in pain every day, 24 hours a day,” Platten said.

“I’m not trying to sound like a tough guy but people didn’t see everything I went through — ending up in hospital, throwing up ...

“I don’t know what I’m going to be like in 20 years. I just hope I don’t end up as bad as some people think I might.”

Platten, who won the Magarey and Brownlow medals and four premierships with the Hawks, now serves as an assistant coach at Central.

He was present when Symes announced his retirement on Monday night after suffering a severe concussion from a collision with Woodville-West Torrens forward Adam Grocke earlier this season.

“It was very emotional, it always is when a bloke is retiring — particularly one that’s been a great player and more importantly a great bloke,” Platten said.

“He’s had a lot of concussions and the way he’s feeling, all the headaches and now he’s got a family and a business - he’s got to look after that side of his life.”

Platten pauses when asked if he would have walked away from the game earlier if he knew how badly he’d be affected later in life, before eventually deciding he has no regrets.

“I just wanted to play as long as I could at the highest level I could,” he said.

“I was never told that when I was playing - that you should consider giving the game away because you’ve been hit in the head so many times.

“We did everything by the book, all the proper tests, but there wasn’t the same mindset as this day and age where it’s about the player’s welfare and life after football.”