AFL 2023: Sydney defender Paddy McCartin to miss the rest of the season after latest concussion

Sydney defender Paddy McCartin has suffered at least nine bouts of concussion over his career – and the latest has ended his 2023 season. Will he play again?

Paddy McCartin’s career hangs in the balance after the Sydney Swans ruled him out for the remainder of the season due to his latest concussion.

The Swans’ defender was on Tuesday put on the inactive list as he continued to experience concussion symptoms from his latest head knock against Port Adelaide in Round 4.

The move will give the Swans two picks in the mid-season rookie draft where it will consider VFL ruckman Sam Naismith and mature-age defender Oscar McDonald.

McCartin, 27, is set for a date with panel of medical experts to learn more about his condition ahead of a decision on his football future following an excellent first season at Sydney last year.

It is understood the former Saint, who has had at least nine bouts of concussion over his career, is open-minded about the possibility of playing on beyond this year.

But the decision could be taken out of his hands as the Swans, the league and his doctors prepare to make a high-level assessment on his capacity to play again at the top level following a worrying history of head knocks.

Paddy McCartin leaves the field after a head knock against the Power in Round 4. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The AFL recently released its updated concussion guidelines where it outlined a more “conservative” approach should be taken with players who had a “history of multiple concussions, particularly those with prolonged recovery”.

McCartin was delisted by St Kilda in 2018 due to his concussion problems which he said turned him into a “shell of a person” and included sleeplessness, blurred vision and dizziness.

While McCartin has begun undertaking light exercise in recent weeks, he continues to battle the symptoms of his latest blow.

His brother, Tom, has also been sidelined by concussion this season.

Swans’ football manager Charlie Gardiner said the club was fully supporting McCartin’s recovery, but confirmed he would not play again for the remainder of the 2023 season.

“In discussions with Paddy, our medical team and external specialists, we all felt the decision to sit out the remainder of the season was the right one to allow Paddy to focus on making a successful return to full health,” Gardiner said

“We have adopted a very cautious approach to Paddy’s recovery timeline to this point and while Paddy has made progress – he has resumed some light exercise and is involved day-to-day at the club – he continues to experience some mild symptoms and his focus remains centred around becoming symptom free.

“Paddy is a very popular figure at our club, and we are all behind him in his recovery. He will be given all the time and support he needs and will continue to work with our medical team and external specialists over the coming months, with his overall health and wellbeing our number one priority.”

McCartin, right, pictured with brother Tom, will sit out the rest of the season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

After at least nine concussion during his career, will he play again? Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

The AFL confirmed in its updated concussion guidelines independent clinicians would be used to assess players with concussion histories.

“Difficult or complicated cases or decisions regarding retirement due to concussion should be managed in a multi-disciplinary manner,” the league’s policy said.

“Formal neuropsychological testing is strongly recommended for players with recurrent concussions and in cases where there may be uncertainty about a player’s clinical or cognitive recovery.

“The AFL has also established Concussion Panels to provide a mechanism for a timely and efficient expert multidisciplinary assessment of complex cases of concussion.”

McCartin, from Geelong, was taken with the No.1 pick in the 2014 national draft and has played 63 matches at two clubs.

He said in 2019 the symptoms from his concussions were horrific.

“I’ve sort of lost my footy identity a little bit, but then also my identity as a person as well,” McCartin said on Triple M.

“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.

“I’m a shell of a person that I was really.

“I can’t do the basic things.”

However, McCartin has since undertaken specific brain training to assist his recovery, allowing him to star for the Swans in defence last season.