AFL 2023: Sydney defender Paddy McCartin retires amid ongoing concussion battle

There will be no coming back from a 10th concussion for Paddy McCartin, with the Sydney defender accepting specialist recommendation to walk away.

Paddy McCartin has retired from the AFL for a second time following his latest battle with repeated concussions.

The 27-year-old met recently with doctors after suffering the tenth concussion of his career in round four against Port Adelaide.

The independent AFL medical concussion panel ultimately recommended that McCartin stop participating in contact sports.

While the incident against Port appeared innocuous, McCartin had to be helped from the field and was immediately subbed out of the game.

In conjunction with the club, the decision was made for him to sit out the rest of the 2023 season.

After taking some time to consider his options, including spending a few days with the recently retired Lance Franklin on the Gold Coast, McCartin has opted to hang up the boots again.

The former No.1 draft pick informed his teammates on Monday of the decision.

Paddy McCartin, right, has retired. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I am obviously disappointed that I’m no longer able to continue to do what I love,” McCartin said. “But I have to be guided by the specialists and I know that this is the right decision for me.

“I want to thank the Sydney Swans for the faith shown in me and the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing AFL football. It has been a privilege to play for this great club and I will remember this time fondly.

“I want to especially thank Lucy, my family, teammates, coaches and medical staff for their wonderful support through this challenging period – I’m very grateful.”

The Swans never put a time frame on McCartin’s return and worked with doctors to ensure the right result was reached.

“We’ll have to see where it takes him and we’re hopeful that whatever happens, it’s the right thing for him,” chairman Andrew Pridham told this masthead last week.

“That’s all we’re interested in, what’s best for him.”

McCartin mutually agreed to be delisted by St Kilda at the end of the 2019 season to deal with concussion issues.

After being selected in the 2014 draft, McCartin only managed 35 games across five seasons – dealing with eight concussions throughout that period.

Following a year out of the game, McCartin relocated to Sydney in 2021 to play with the Sydney Swans’ East Coast VFL side.

A transition into defence saw him impress at that level and he was subsequently offered a rookie contract by the Swans for 2022.

Linking up with his brother Tom, McCartin played an integral role in the Swans’ march to last year’s grand final.

He played 24 matches in the season, easily the best mark of his career, and was set to feature heavily in the Swans’ defence moving forward

McCartin hasn’t played since suffering another head knock in round 4. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sydney’s general manager of football Charlie Gardner paid tribute to McCartin’s resilience and the impact he has had at the club on and off the field.

“Paddy has worked closely with our medical team and external specialists since he suffered his concussion in found four against Port Adelaide,” Gardiner said.

“While he continues to work on his recovery, Paddy’s decision is based on the recommendation of independent specialists that it is not in his best interests to continue to play.

“Paddy’s story is a powerful one. He has shown remarkable drive and resilience to overcome considerable setbacks to play at the highest level and fulfil his potential.

“He quickly embraced our club just as we embraced him, and he has been a highly valued teammate and much-loved player. Paddy can be very proud of what he has achieved, and we are grateful for the contribution he has made to the Bloods.

“Paddy will continue to have our full support and we wish him well in his next chapter.”

The news comes a fortnight after Hawthorn ruckman Max Lynch was advised to retire by doctors following repeated concussions.

The 24-year-old suffered the ninth concussion of his career against Adelaide earlier this year and played 11 games in the AFL across seven seasons.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Sydney defender Paddy McCartin retires amid ongoing concussion battle