AFL Concussion news: Collingwood midfielder Josh Carmichael medically retired after consulting with concussion panel

Collingwood’s Josh Carmichael has spoken of being ‘forever grateful’ to the Pies after becoming the third player forced into retirement due to concussion this year.

Josh Carmichael in action on debut. Photo by Michael Klein

Collingwood fringe midfielder Josh Carmichael is the fourth AFL player to medically retire this year due to concussion.

The man who played eight games across three years told teammates on Wednesday he was finishing up his AFL career after consulting with the league’s independent concussion panel.

Carmichael, 24, was unable to train fully and has been battling debilitating symptoms in recent months following his latest head knock in the VFL in May.

The Magpies’ midfielder has suffered three concussions in the past nine months including one at training in December and another last August.

Carmichael said it had been a tough time, but made the decision to retire in conjunction with medicos in the best interests of his long-term health.

“The past couple of months have been a difficult and uncertain time for me but I have comfort now knowing the direction of my future, and disappointingly that is not playing Australian football,” Carmichael said.

“Footy has been a huge part of my sporting life over the years and I have loved being part of the Collingwood Football Club, but my priority is on my future and ensuring I live a full and healthy life.

Josh Carmichael trains with Collingwood in April. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I’d like to thank the club, my coaches, teammates, and staff for all their support throughout my playing career at Collingwood and to everyone who has supported me along my football journey.

“I never imagined getting drafted to an AFL club, especially one like Collingwood and I’ll be forever grateful.

“I have made so many lifelong friends along the journey which is what footy is all about. As for the learnings, opportunities and experiences during my time here, I will forever cherish these and hold the memories close to my heart.

“To my family and friends, thank you so much for your love and support during this time. Not only recently but the whole journey. Always believing in me. No matter what.”

Carmichael, from near Mildura, becomes the second Collingwood footballer to retire due to concussion this season after Nathan Murphy bowed out earlier this year.

Carmichael will be eligible for a concussion payout, following in the footsteps of this other concussion retirees Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne), Aiden O’Driscoll (Western Bulldogs) and Murphy.

Murphy also wound up his playing career due to repeated head knocks, leaving a huge hole in Collingwood’s back line for its premiership defence this season.

Collingwood footy boss Brendon Bolton thanked Carmichael for his contribution.

“Josh’s welfare, like the welfare of all our people, has remained paramount and we commend Josh for his maturity in managing what has been a challenging time,” Bolton said.

“Even though Josh will no longer be a part of our AFL program, it is important that as a club we continue to offer medical support to Josh as he transitions into the next phase of his life.

“Josh is an intelligent, dedicated and hardworking young man, who has shared two years of his life with our program, and we are better for it. Having worn the black and white stripes, Josh will always be a Collingwood player.”

Carmichael was taken with the number nine pick in the 2022 mid-season draft.