Paddy McCartin steps away from footy to battle concussion issues
St Kilda has confirmed former No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin will step away from the game in 2020 in a bid to tackle serious concussion issues. But his career might not be over.
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St Kilda has confirmed Paddy McCartin will “step off” the club’s playing list for 2020.
As revealed by the Herald Sun yesterday, McCartin will take a 12-month leave of absence in a bid to overcome the concussion issues that threaten his career.
The Saints have released a statement saying McCartin, 23, remains determined to continue his AFL career at the end of next year.
The club said McCartin would continue his rehabilitation at RSEA Park under the guidance of its medical team and specialists.
St Kilda football manager Simon Lethlean said the club would continue to support the key forward.
“We have been working closely with Paddy, his loved ones, his doctors and his management for some time,” Lethlean said.
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“We feel it is important for Paddy to focus solely on his physical and mental wellbeing without the pressure of returning to senior football in the 2020 season.
“This decision gives him the best opportunity to ultimately resume his career, with the club open to re-listing Paddy should he be healthy and physically ready to attack a pre-season at the end of 2020, and play senior football in 2021.
“As Paddy explained during the year, this injury has had a significant impact on his life, and general health and well-being.
“It has been a difficult time for him, his family, the people close to him, and for his teammates, coaches and support staff who know how hard he has worked to put himself in a position to succeed at the elite level.”
“He is a really popular member of our playing group and we saw during the 2019 pre-season what sort of footballer he was becoming.
“We also wish to recognise that Paddy has not only considered what is best for himself, but also what is best for the club in coming to this tough decision. This is commendable and we thank him for that.
“The club has also committed to assisting him with activities and pursuits of interest to him both within football and outside of football as part of his focus over the next 12 months.”
McCartin, 23, was delisted by the Saints despite having one year remaining on his contract.
The No.1 draft pick will spend the next 12 months prioritising his health in the hope his harrowing concussion symptoms improve.
He will be paid out his full entitlements for next season.
McCartin has endured a nightmare year dealing with the brutal effects of his repeated head knocks including sleeplessness, dizziness and “really bad” headaches.
“I’m a shell of a person that I was, really. I’m completely different”,” McCartin said on Triple M this year.
“I’ve sort of lost my footy identity a little bit, but then also my identity as a person as well.
“I can’t do stuff — I can’t go to the supermarket when it’s busy or go to a cafe with my girlfriend, or drive my car.”
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McCartin did not play a game this season after his latest knock in March in the JLT Series. It was his eighth concussion in five years. He played 35 senior games.
A recent trip to the United States to see a specialist has buoyed McCartin’s slim hopes of making a comeback but only after taking an extended break.
In particular, the 194cm marking target has begun undertaking some eye exercises after the trip to Chicago as part of his treatment plan.
St Kilda will reassess his position throughout next season but is set to unveil a new-look forward line in 2020 after moving on key forward Josh Bruce as part of a busy trade period.
St Kilda revitalised its list adding star wingman Brad Hill, tough midfielder Zak Jones, tall utility Dougal Howard, speedster Dan Butler and veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder this month.
Gun spearhead Max King could help replace Bruce in the senior side from as early as Round 1 next season after a late-season knee injury cruelled his hopes of making his debut last year.