AFL 2024: Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll forced to retire

One of the Western Bulldogs’ brightest prospects has been forced to step away from the AFL only months after he was drafted.

Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O'Driscoll has been forced to retire by the AFL’s independent concussion panel. Picture: Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll has been forced to medically retire from the AFL without playing a single game after a horror concussion in pre-season training.

The No. 55 pick, who recorded the fastest 20m sprint time at the 2023 draft combine, was advised to quit contact sports by the AFL’s independent concussion panel this week.

O’Driscoll had been listed as an indefinite absence on the Bulldogs’ injury list after he suffered a head injury during a training session in January.

The 18-year-old is the younger brother of Fremantle AFL and AFLW players Nathan and Emma O’Driscoll.

Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll has been medically retired without playing an AFL game after a concussion in January. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“Western Bulldogs forward Aiden O’Driscoll has retired from the AFL effective immediately on medical grounds,” a Bulldogs statement on Tuesday read.

“Aiden suffered a significant head injury during a pre-season training session in January.

“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.”

More to come.