Former St Kilda big man Justin Koschitzke says he should have sat out 2006 season following concussion

JUSTIN Koschitzke suffered a fractured skull and burst ear drum from a huge hit in 2006. And the former Saint says if he had his time again, he’d treat the injury differently.

JUSTIN Koschitzke has expanded on his concussion regret, admitting it was “foolish” to return in 2006 after his infamous clash with Daniel Giansiracusa.

The former St Kilda forward last year urged fellow concussion victim and Saint Paddy McCartin to delay his return from a sixth head hit for as long as possible, admitting he played when he shouldn’t have and now suffered short term memory loss.

Koschitzke yesterday went further, saying he should have sat out the 2006 season following his Round 6 concussion instead of returning in Round 19.

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“When I got the big hit it was really foolish to come back that year and play and if I had my time again ... I definitely would have taken the year off and rehabbed it properly and made sure I was in a fit state, mentally and physically, the next year,” Koschitzke said.

Justin Koschitzke (l) and Daniel Giansiracusa (r) with trainers after their massive collision in 2006.

Koschitzke was diagnosed with a fractured skull and burst ear drum after suffering a legal hip and shoulder from former Western Bulldog Giansiracusa.

He collapsed during a live interview on Channel 7 less than a month later, despite subsequent scans showing no abnormalities. On his return to football in a VFL reserves match later that year, he collided with an umpire, suffering yet another head knock.

“I think I was naive to it and didn’t really want to find out for a long time. I finally pulled the trigger and went to get a look and its certainly something I’ve got to keep on top of and hopefully manage,” Koschitzke said.

“I’ve had some testing done just for some knowledge and to test later to see if there’s any change.”

Koschitzke gives fans the thumbs up after the bump. Telstra Dome.

But Koschitzke, speaking on Triple M, ruled out joining a group of former players who have started a Federal Court damages action against the AFL.

“I’ve had some dramas with some short term memory and all sorts of symptoms, but it’s a product of the game and something they’re addressing very well now,” he said.

“That’s centred around some older guys with serious symptoms who probably didn’t understand the seriousness of it when they were my age.

“That’s why it’s encouraging there’s some action taking place for some guys just out of the game. It’s certainly something that’s front of mind and on the agenda.”