Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw retires immediately

The AFL world has been shocked by the news Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw has retired immediately before the AFL season.

Melbourne premiership star Angus Brayshaw says he’s “devastated” after being immediately forced into retirement.

Brayshaw told teammates on Thursday morning he had made the decision after medical experts determined it was unsafe for him to continue playing following multiple head injuries.

The 28-year-old is walking away with five more seasons still to run on his multimillion-dollar contract, which expired at the end of the 2028 season, having played 167 games for the club.

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He had undergone brain scans and consulted neurologists over summer in a bid to continue his career.

However, just two weeks before the club’s season begins with a blockbuster against the Swans in Sydney on March 7, Brayshaw has been forced to accept that his career is over.

“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game that I love, but I respect the verdict of the medical professionals, and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.

“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.

“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.”

Angus Brayshaw of the Demons. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

NCA NewsWire reports Brayshaw returned to training following the latest concussion of his career in Melbourne’s qualifying final against Collingwood last September, but recent neuropsychological testing led to medical experts advising the Demons midfielder to retire, the Demons said in a club statement.

“That process allowed Brayshaw to return in a controlled training program, but recent neuropsychological testing brought that recovery program to a halt,” the statement read.

“A recent highly specialised scan result revealed microscopic changes in the brain that had developed since the concussion.

“It was based on these results that Brayshaw has been medically retired.”

The club statement went on to describe Brayshaw as “much loved by all the players, coaches and staff”.

He was knocked unconscious in a first-quarter collision with Brayden Maynard in September, but the club said in the days that followed there were positive signs.

Brayshaw missed half of his second season in 2016 and the majority of 2017 after suffering four concussions over 12 months and has played wearing a helmet since that period.

His collision with Maynard became one of the most controversial moments of the 2023 season after the Magpie was cleared by a judiciary tribunal and was free to play the rest of the finals series.

The league confirmed earlier this month there will be a new rule interpretation for the 2024 season as a result of Maynard’s smothering attempt.

Angus Brayshaw and Alex Neal-Bullen of the Demons hold the premiership cup. Photo by Michael Klein.

That bump, in which Maynard left the ground to try to smother a kick only to collide with Brayshaw, will now result in a suspension under the stricter interpretation ticked off by the AFL Commission in a bid to “make the game safer”.

When it comes to smothers, players who elect to leave the ground and make “reasonably foreseeable high contact with an opponent that is at least low impact” will be deemed to be careless at a minimum, bringing suspension into play.

Demons coach Simon Goodwin, AFL executive general manager of football Laura Kane and Demons CEO Gary Pert have also released statements.

“As a coach, I am incredibly proud to have witnessed the impact Gus has had on this Club, for a number of years,” Goodwin said.

“Gus’ ability to achieve what most players can only dream of, securing a Premiership medallion and being part of something special, stands as a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.

“He has not only excelled on the field but has played a crucial role in shaping the standards and ethos of the Club. The legacy he leaves is something he should be immensely proud of.

“When I think of Angus Brayshaw, courage, leadership, selflessness and elite football ability all come to mind. Above all else though, he is just a great human being.

“Gus will always be a Melbourne person, and has our full support for this next chapter of his life.”

Angus Brayshaw and coach Simon Goodwin last September. Picture: Michael Klein.

The Brayden Maynard incident from last year’s qualifying final. Picture: Fox Sports

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.

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

“As things settle down following the announcement, we will talk to Angus to explore keeping him involved in the program in whatever role is appropriate.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, and our members and supporters, I would like to thank Angus for his unwavering loyalty, courage and dedication to the Club.”

Kane said: “The AFL supports the decision by Angus Brayshaw to retire from the game today.

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

“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.

“We wish Angus, Danielle, and their families all the very best, and applaud Angus’ leadership in making this decision for himself, his family and his club.”

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.

— with NCA NewsWire

Originally published as Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw retires immediately