Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll forced to retire due to concussion after massive pre-season collision

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has revealed how Aiden O’Driscoll told teammates of his forced retirement due to concussion only months after realising his AFL dream.

Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O'Driscoll

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says medically retired teenager Aiden O’Driscoll is firmly in his players’ thoughts after a “really heartbreaking” week ahead of Saturday’s clash against GWS.

Uncertainty remains over whether the playing future of champion midfielder Tom Liberatore will also be in the hands of the AFL’s independent concussion panel.

Beveridge said the Bulldogs’ football staff had still not received “any instruction” from the AFL on how to manage Liberatore’s recovery from a fourth concussion in 12 months against Hawthorn in round 8.

The star midfielder joined training again at Whitten Oval on Thursday as he celebrated his 32nd birthday.

“I’m not sure (about the panel) … I was asked that question the other day, and we haven’t had any instruction in that regard,” Beveridge said.

“The best thing to do with Tom is we’ll give updates internally from our medical experts, and I’m just a senior coach so I’m not really equipped to comment too much on it.

“He’s in today and he’ll be training, but as far as the prospect of what’s coming up for him … I just need to leave that to the medical field.”

Western Bulldogs draftees Joel Freijah, Lachlan Smith, Ryley Sanders and Aiden O'Driscoll in November last year. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Beveridge said O’Driscoll’s forced retirement after he was hospitalised with a concussion sustained in a January training session had been announced to teammates and coaches in a “very emotional” meeting.

“Anthony Hipsley, our doctor spoke, and Aiden followed up and I spoke after that. It was an emotional 10 or 15 minutes, and Aiden was obviously extremely choked up,” he said.

“Life’s more important than a sporting code, and we reminded him that we’re here to support him on his pathway now.

“Our players will think a little bit about Aiden this week, and it’s probably a reminder to us over the journey … our time in the game is short. Covet your time, do your best and stay in there as long as you can, because Aiden hasn’t had that opportunity.”

DOG FORCED TO RETIRE MONTHS AFTER BEING DRAFTED

Jon Ralph

AFL draftee Aiden O’Driscoll has become the latest AFL player forced into retirement after a sickening head clash with Bailey Williams that caused the Western Bulldogs to cancel a summer practice game.

O’Driscoll was drafted as an elite-running midfielder taken at pick 55 by the Dogs last year, and never got to play an official game for the Dogs or their VFL side Footscray.

He was not cleared to return after that January clash, which caused a serious concussion, and after a series of meetings with experts was referred to the AFL’s concussion panel.

His symptoms were not horrific and he was still involved in running drills but the concussion panel ruled he should retire from football.

The Dogs had been hopeful he might be able to return to football given he was the club’s best runner but accepted his retirement given the AFL ruling.

The whole Bulldogs family is with you, Aiden 💔

Forward Aiden O’Driscoll has retired from the AFL effective immediately on medical grounds.

📝 - https://t.co/1Gr1OpzVODpic.twitter.com/tVDmH8MK5w

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 14, 2024

Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O'Driscoll

He has a two-year contract as a No. 55 draft pick so the Dogs will await the AFL’s ruling on salary cap exemptions for players medically retired by the AFL.

He joins Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne) and Nathan Murphy (Collingwood) as players medically retired by the AFL this year.

The Dogs have Tom Liberatore on the sidelines indefinitely as he deals with his fifth concussion and fourth since late last year.

The AFL is also working through Liberatore’s concussion management and there is the prospect he might not return to football despite a contract for next season.

AFL concussion campaigner Peter Jess says about 50 players in the last eight seasons have had to retire through concussion.

The Dogs said in a statement that O’Driscoll had been medically retired after his significant head knock.

“Following extensive clinical assessments, investigations and expert consultation that included a review by an Independent Medical Concussion Panel, Aiden has been advised to retire from contact sports in the interests of his long-term health and wellbeing.”