AFL 2024: Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield left saddened by Angus Brayshaw’s retirement due to concussion

AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield has reflected on the premature retirement of Melbourne star Angus Brayshaw and what’s next for the AFL as the spectre of concussion lingers.

Angus Brayshaw announced his retirement last week. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield said he was left saddened by Angus Brayshaw’s “gut-wrenching” premature retirement as he recognised the spectre of concussion hanging over the AFL.

Brayshaw, 28, made the difficult decision to call time on his 167-game career after brain scans revealed he had undergone microscopic changes since his concussion against Collingwood in last year’s qualifying final.

Dangerfield said Brayshaw’s retirement underlines the emotional impact of head knocks and why sport must take the issue seriously.

The AFL Players Association president believes limitation of contact training is in the realms of possibility in the future, but said it could be a double edged sword given players learn how to deal with physical contact during these sessions.

Dangerfield said Geelong has opted to reduce contact training during its pre-season preparations.

Victorian state coroner John Cain made 21 recommendations to the AFL and AFLW in December – which included the reduction of contact training – as part of his findings into the tragic death of former Richmond player Shane Tuck.

Patrick Dangerfield Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I think the overarching feeling was real sadness. Clearly first and foremost for the Brayshaws and their extended families, he’s been a champion player and you don’t want any player to go out under those circumstances,” Dangerfield said.

“But clearly it reinforces the challenges and seriousness that is concussion. We get it as a competition but we continue to learn more and when events like this happen it just reinforces the human side of the impact.

“Clearly it is a case-by-case decision that happens. It affects people in different ways, we are learning more so you can make more informed decisions, but it is clearly a bloody tough decision to make. The things that you love more than anything growing up, playing AFL footy, being drafted, and then when it is taken away by something that is very much outside of your control it is gut-wrenching to see.

“We will definitely see some (retirements), more I’m not sure. As we learn more, I suppose the sensationalist headline would be ‘the tip of the iceberg’, but we know so much more than we did 30 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago.

Dangerfield told this publication earlier this month that he was supportive of the concussion protocols currently in place and that he expects them to change into the future.

He echoed those sentiments on Monday, saying any changes to the 12-day return to play guidelines must be backed up by relevant data.

Geelong takes on St Kilda in round one. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I think it is definitely a question for those above my paygrade. I think first and foremost it has to be a decision based on important data, health based data rather than anything I have got a gut feel about,” Dangerfield said.

“I can only speak for Geelong, we already (limit contact training) throughout our pre-season. Is it coming as a more prescribed league wide implementation? Potentially. I think you need to look at the statistics and how much impact it actually has and then sort of get the data from that.

“I’m not sure it is a ridiculous thing to suggest though, there’s enough crash and bash throughout the season and there’s clearly times that you need to work on that side of your game as much as the tactical side. I think the other thing is dealing with contact, being able to protect yourself, that is an important concussion issue itself because you want to limit the amount of time players experience those things. I think it something they’ll potentially look at that.”

Asked how Geelong would fare this season, Dangerfield said: “Hopefully as well as Taylor Swift. We are confident, we have got great availability, lost one last week in Cam Guthrie but we are confident.”

Geelong is yet to get a diagnosis on Guthrie’s quad injury that he sustained in the opening seconds of the club’s practice match against Thursday last week.

The Cats will be hoping he is fit to go for their opening round clash against St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium in the first AFL game with the new Selwood Stand up and running.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield left saddened by Angus Brayshaw’s retirement due to concussion