Nathan Murphy’s future could be in the hands of the AFL’s medical concussion panel

Nathan Murphy suffered his 10th concussion in the first quarter of the AFL Grand Final. Now, a medical panel could decide his future.

Nathan Murphy at the grand final. Picture: Getty Images

The future of Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy could be in the hands of the AFL’s medical concussion panel after he was subbed out of the grand final.

The 23-year-old, who is one of the game’s bravest and respected defenders, was concussed after a head knock in the first quarter of the grand final.

It was his 10th concussion suffered during in his junior and senior playing career.

It can be revealed Murphy will be assessed by the league’s independent medical experts.

A response is expected soon from Stephen Meade, the AFL’s general counsel who also has health care in his portfolio.

This year, the panel recommended Sydney’s Patrick McCartin retire after he had previously suffered nine concussions in his career – including eight while playing at St Kilda.

Nathan Murphy comes from the ground in the grand final. Picture: Getty Images

McCartin felt concussion symptoms after a knock against Port Adelaide in round 4 and did not play again.

Sources confirmed to this masthead an approach had been made to the AFL and that Murphy was waiting for a response.

The AFL said on Monday it did not comment on any player’s health.

It’s understood Murphy did not drink alcohol during the grand final celebrations on Saturday night after the game and again on Sunday.

He was still feeling the effects of the knock on the Monday, the source said.

Family and friends, the source said, are concerned about whether Murphy should continue his career or retire.

Murphy collided with Brisbane’s Lincoln McCarthy and immediately left the field to be assessed.

McCarthy’s shoulder collided with Murphy’s head in a 50-50 contest.

Murphy passed the concussion testing but said in the post-match that he had blurred vision, so he ruled himself out of returning to the field.

Murphy watched on as the Pies held on to win the flag, then got involved in the celebrations. Picture: Getty Images

Labelled as selfless after the game, footage captured him in tears on the bench.

Murphy told this masthead in the post-match that he went to the huddle at quarter-time, noted that coach Craig McRae was talking and “I couldn’t really see him’’.

“When that happened I said that’s probably enough for me,” he said.

“After the head knock I passed the test but came out with blurry vision so I ruled myself out.

“I didn’t think I was up to it. With my history I get delayed symptoms.

“I thought it was the best thing and right now it paid off because I have got a premiership.’’

Murphy emerged as key player in Collingwood’s defence this season. He played 24 games this season for a career tally of 57.

Originally published as Nathan Murphy’s future could be in the hands of the AFL’s medical concussion panel