Jack Fitzpatrick battles ongoing concussion issues as he adjusts to life after footy

FORMER Hawk and Demon Jack Fitzpatrick is learning fast how to adjust to life outside the AFL bubble — and deal with concussion issues that ended his career.

Jack Fitzpatrick kicks a goal against Collingwood.

ADJUSTING to living in the “real world” is tough for every ex-AFL player, but for Jack Fitzpatrick another factor makes it an even bigger challenge.

Fitzpatrick was forced into retirement in September at age 26 on doctors’ advice after suffering seven concussions in five seasons.

The news not only ended his AFL dream after 26 games with Melbourne and Hawthorn but scrambled his plans for life after footy.

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“I have had a lot of spare time but unfortunately because of the shape my head was in at the time I had to defer my university studies — I wasn’t able to complete the tasks and get to uni,” he said.

“If I decided I wanted to study full-time local footy could help supplement my income, but obviously now that’s not an option.”

Jack Fitzpatrick’s most famous AFL moment — a goal in the dying seconds against Collingwood.

Fitzpatrick has been told not to play any contact sport and is still having regular head scans to assess the potential long-term impact of repeated head knocks on the field.

“I’m feeling quite good now but it’s an ongoing thing. At stages it crosses your mind for sure (possible long-term affects) but everything I’ve heard is positive.

“The doctor said if you stop know you should be OK, but if you get another one, we don’t know.”

Hawthorn’s doctors remain in contact and the AFL Players Association has provided support, and dealing with physical and mental health concerns is a focus of a new initiative to help footballers survive “outside the footy bubble”.

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Fitzpatrick is taking part in the first “outduction camp” for ex-players, a two-day event at Moonah Links Golf Club run by the AFLPA and TwoPointZero, which provides career coaches and networking opportunities.

Fitzpatrick already has a diploma in sport and recreation and plans to complete his bachelor of business degree at Victoria University next year, but finds the number of options slightly overwhelming.

“I’m trying to work out what is next.

Jack Fitzpatrick during his days at Melbourne.

“When I was drafted it was the night of my high school graduation so I literally graduated high school then the next day I turned up for training with Melbourne and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

“When you’re not in the real world you’re not entirely sure how it all works.

“No way am I complaining and I wouldn’t change the last eight years — I loved playing footy — but in some ways I’m at 26 where my friends were when they were 19. I’m competing against people who have 10 years’ experience or have already completed a degree.”

AFL Players Association general manager of player development Brett Johnson said every players’ situation was unique.

“AFL careers average five-and-a-half years but some players play for more than 15 years and some may find themselves out of the system after one or two seasons,” he said.

“The AFLPA player development team work closely with the industry and individual players to ensure they maximise their AFL experience and the opportunities it provides during the game and beyond.

“This partnership will give our members great exposure to not only career experts but also potential employers.”