AFL 2024: Melbourne premiership star Angus Brayshaw retires

A Melbourne flag hero has penned an emotional letter to Demons supporters revealing the heartbreaking backstory behind his retirement.

Melbourne star Angus Brayshaw has been medically retired due to his concussion suffered against Collingwood last year. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Melbourne premiership star Angus Brayshaw had to retire after his latest series of brain scans following his concussion in last year’s qualifying final showed “further deterioration” since the incident.

He told teammates he was shocked and shattered to be medically retired from playing as he described his ordeal this summer in a letter to Demons members.

The 28-year-old’s medical team had cleared him to return to pre-season training due to the results of previous scans, but troubling findings from the latest examination had forced the decision to step away.

He said the damage was due to the collision with airborne Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard which left him unconscious on the MCG turf in an incident which sparked fierce debate on the AFL’s protection of players and prompted a rule change ahead of the 2024 season.

Melbourne premiership player Angus Brayshaw has been forced to retire aged 28 due to the effects of his latest concussion. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“Last week, I was informed by my neurosurgeon that I would be forced to medically retire from the AFL effective immediately,” Brayshaw wrote to Melbourne fans on Thursday.

“Scans taken two weeks after the qualifying final against Collingwood compared to scans taken last week revealed further deterioration of my brain as a direct result of the incident I was involved in that September evening.

“This means that medically, I can no longer continue to play contact sports of any time to protect my long-term health.”

Brayshaw said he had been “very optimistic” of a return to football this season and was devastated by the sudden development.

“I am absolutely shattered and did not see this reality coming to pass,” he wrote.

“The exceptional care provided by the medical team at MFC during the last five months had left me feeling very optimistic about my future in the game.

“Alongside that positivity, however, was a constant concern for doing what was best for the health of my brain long-term … there has been too much damage to continue – the risk is now too great.”

Brayshaw said he hoped his plight could lead to better outcomes for other players, after he was the fifth AFL player to retire due to concussion since the beginning of last season.

“I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past decade. I have been able to live out my childhood dream and while it’s been cut short, I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved,” Brayshaw said.

Brayshaw said he hoped his medical retirement would prompt better outcomes for other players facing concussion issues in the future. Picture: Michael Klein

“I want to especially thank my teammates, my coaches and the staff at the Melbourne Football club, for all they have done for me over the years. I also want to thank my family and my partner Danielle for their endless support. To every member and fan, thank you for your incredible support over the journey.

“Concussion is a massive issue facing our game. I hope from this, a terrible result for me personally, can come some positive outcomes for the future of player safety.”

Brayshaw said he hoped advancements in medicine had saved him “from a future of incredibly difficult brain-related ailments that many of the past players’ cohort, my new peers, have endured and continue to endure”.

He said it was “very difficult” to tell his family and fiance Danielle, the daughter of late St Kilda great Danny Frawley, about the test results.

“I see how upset it makes them, but more obvious is the love, care and pride they have for, and in me,” he said.

“In particular, seeing my fiance Danielle’s strength after her late father Danny’s well-documented ordeal with CTE amazes me, and I would not have dealt with my own trials and tribulations as well without her support.”

Brayshaw, who sat out half of his second season in 2016 and the majority of 2017 after suffering four concussions in a 12-month period, followed Brisbane’s Marcus Adams, Adelaide’s Paul Seedsman, Sydney’s Paddy McCartin and Hawthorn’s Max Lynch into retirement due to the effects of brain injuries suffered while playing.

Brayshaw celebrates Melbourne’s 2021 premiership in Perth with teammate Alex Neal-Bullen (right). Picture: Michael Klein

It comes as Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy’s return to play stalled this month as he sits out the Magpies’ pre-season games following the 10th concussion of his career in the 2023 grand final.

AFL executive general manager of football Laura Kane said she applauded Brayshaw’s leadership and called his retirement a “courageous act”.

“Angus’ health and wellbeing is of the upmost importance and his decision, made in consultation with his medical team, is one of more courageous act that Angus consistently demonstrated throughout his decorated career across 167 games,” Kane said.

“Angus’ contribution to footy on the field is well documented and we look forward to his continued contribution to our game off the field in the coming years.”

Melbourne boss Gary Pert thanked Brayshaw for his “unwavering loyalty, courage and dedication” in an emotional statement.

“Today is a tough day for Angus and everyone involved given his love for the Club and the game and how much he means to our people,” Pert said.

Brayshaw and his fiance Danielle Frawley (left) celebrate a win during the 2023 season. Picture: Instagram.

“Currently, our total focus is going into supporting Angus, his fiance Danielle and the broader Brayshaw family after this devastating news.

“From the day Angus arrived at the Club, he has had a huge effect. He was a superstar player that was instrumental in our 2021 Premiership success.

“He has been a respected, influential leader of the player group, while at the same time being a much-loved personality who brought laughter and fun to his teammates and the staff every day.”

Brayshaw was consistently one of Melbourne’s best players as he performed roles as an inside midfielder, wingman and halfback across his career.

A successful shift to the wing led to a surprise third-place finish in the 2018 Brownlow Medal, while he played a vital role at centre bounces last season as Melbourne reached the semi-final while missing Clayton Oliver for most of the year.

Brayshaw was instrumental in the Demons’ emphatic 2021 grand final win over the Western Bulldogs as he racked up 25 disposals, had seven inside 50s and kicked a goal which took Melbourne into the lead during the third quarter.

He was taken with the third pick in the 2014 draft after missing eligibility for the previous year’s draft class by only nine days.