Angus Brayshaw’s fourth concussion in 12 months ‘just dreadful luck’

MELBOURNE youngster Angus Brayshaw lasted just 145 seconds before suffering his fourth concussion in 12 months, but his relieved dad said the outcome could have been worse.

Angus Brayshaw was taken off the field in a VFL game after another head knock. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MARK Brayshaw has described as “just dreadful luck” his son’s Angus’s fourth concussion in 12 months.

The No.3 selection in the 2014 draft lasted just 145 seconds into Casey’s clash against the Northern Blues in Preston on Sunday.

Returning after a fortnight’s rest from his most recent concussion, he went for the ball but was hit by Carlton-listed Jed Lamb.

The hit was forceful enough to floor Brayshaw, who was slowly helped off by a pair of trainers.

Coaches Association chief executive Brayshaw said the consolation was that most players would have been concussed in the hit.

The Demons had been keen to play the 21-year-old out of the midfield but even starting off a back flank he could not escape an immediate hit.

Melbourne youngster Angus Brayshaw has suffered another concussion. Picture: Getty Images

“Mild concussion is how I would describe it. So far his response has been consistent with that diagnosis and I am sure he will have to go through the tests tomorrow,” Mark Brayshaw told the Herald Sun.

“He didn’t lose consciousness and it was a fair knock. It was part of the game and nothing untoward and it is just dreadful luck.

“I was there and saw the hit and anyone else would have been stunned and had the same reaction. It is just really bad luck.

“What happens now is up to the club but he seems to be OK. He could be worse.”

Casey Demons coach Justin Plapp said Brayshaw’s health must come first.

“It looked quite ordinary,” Plapp said.

“I know with concussions there are some pretty stringent protocols around it. By looking at him, he was done for the day.

“Fingers crossed we can find out pretty soon how bad it is. Off the top of my head, looking at it, I don’t think it is going to be real great.”

Plapp said he felt for the 21-year-old, who has played 33 AFL games for the Demons.

“It’s unfortunate. As a coach I have been lucky enough to coach Gus for seven or eight years through (Sandringham) Dragons and now,” Plapp said.

“I know how talented of a player he is and how much it is hurting him. He’s frustrated with it.

“It will turn. He will be OK out of it. Hopefully, the main thing is his wellbeing.”

Brayshaw’s concussion issues started in May last year when he was hit in the back of a head with a football by teammate Alex Neal-Bullen.

Two weeks later he copped a head knock in his VFL return and needed an extended period to let his brain rest.

It included several weeks sitting in a dark room and over a month without full training.