Former AFL Brisbane Lions player Justin Clarke still suffering effects of career-ending concussion

THREE months after concussion ended the career of AFL star Justin Clarke, the former Brisbane defender has admitted he still struggles both physically and emotionally.

Retired AFL player Justin Clarke, 22, says he still has memory issues. Photography David Kelly

THREE months after concussion ended the career of AFL star Justin Clarke, the former Brisbane defender has admitted he still struggles with headaches, tires easily and can’t retain information.

The 22-year-old has used the launch of a concussion awareness campaign to reveal the staggering ongoing impact of a major knock that ended his career prematurely in February.

‘’I still wouldn’t say I am back to normal,’’ Clarke said.

‘’Emotionally it’s a battle too but I’m lucky because I have a strong supportive family.

‘’It’s been a roller coaster and the physical effects of it have changed my life dramatically.’’

But the former star said he was still saddened that he had to walk away.

‘’I miss the game so much,’’ he said. ‘’The most frustrating part about it is that you see the boys struggling and I just wish I could be out there with them.’’

The former footballer is now studying aeronautical engineering but said long periods of concentration often led to debilitating headaches.

‘’I have to manage my study time so I don’t overwhelm myself and go backwards.’’

Clarke playing for Brisbane last year. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Clarke will today join former Sydney Swan’s captain Jude Bolton, former NRL great Steve Renouf and Wallaby Tatafu Polota-Nau at the launch of a major concussion initiative backed by the peak body for elite athletes, the Australian Athletes’ Alliance and the Queensland Brain Institute.

The initiative is aimed at raising funds and awareness.

Clarke is now raising awareness about the lasting effects of concussion. Photography David Kelly

Clarke said he hoped the campaign would make elite athletes more aware of the dangers.

‘’All players are concerned about effects long term concussion injury so any research would benefit not only the AFL but all codes.’’

Clarke was forced to retire in February due to a knock he received during training a month earlier.

A series of specialists warned he faced permanent brain damage if he copped another head knock.

The campaign, Concussion: If in doubt, sit it out, will be launched at the University of Queensland today.

SMS BRAIN to 0437 371 371 to donate to concussion research qbi.uq.edu.au/concussion