Paddy McCartin fit, symptom-free and pushing for 2021 return despite concussions

Paddy McCartin’s brother Tom says the ex-Saint is ready to return to footy in 2021 after fully recovering from his concussion symptoms that saw him forced from the game after eight serious head knocks.

Paddy McCartin is eyeing an AFL return next year. Picture: Michael Klein

Paddy McCartin is free of all concussion symptoms and adamant he will return to football next year, according to younger brother Tom McCartin.

Sydney key forward McCartin said his St Kilda forward brother had made dramatic progress since agreeing to be delisted by St Kilda as part of a plan to reassess his health at the end of 2020.

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Paddy McCartin is eyeing an AFL return next year. Picture: Michael Klein

Not only is he back running after headaches so bad he could barely leave his house, his work doing gruelling brain exercises has alleviated many of his concussion symptoms.

Former No. 1 pick Paddy said recently despite eight concussions he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

While some might question whether McCartin is endangering himself by returning to football, his brother told the Herald Sun his love for the game would see him return.

“Paddy is going really well at the minute. He has obviously had a tough 12 months and he’s been super resilient over the last 10-12 months. He is back running, feeling good, feeling happy and feeling fit so he’s flying around. He’s keen to get back in 2021,” Tom said.

“He is back to normal and living a normal life. 12 months ago if you listened to his (Triple M) interview he was struggling to do much at all, not leaving the house and he’s back to living a normal life, which is great.”

Paddy McCartin has suffered several concussions throughout his career. Picture: Getty Images

McCartin showed great ability as a key forward in his limited appearances for the Saints. Picture: AAP

“He was seeing a bloke three times a week retraining his brain and I remember him saying it was harder than any pre-season training session he had done, so much concentration and it goes for 5 or 6 hours at a time, it’s pretty full on but he’s only seeing him every three weeks so it’s going well.”

The 20-year-old admits it was tough to hear his brother talk in such forensic detail about how he could barely drive a car or go to the supermarket during the depths of his concussion symptoms.

In that interview McCartin said he was a “shell” of the person he had once been and stated he had lost his “identity” as a person and footballer.

McCartin is working one day a week at a Melbourne diabetes foundation as a type-one diabetic but mostly able to work on his health and fitness.

Tom McCartin has a bright future with the Swans. Picture: Sarah Reed

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“It was sad (listening to that interview), especially being up here. I don’t really get to see him that often. It’s great that he felt like he could open up and tell everyone how he was feeling.

“But for a bit there it was tough because I knew he was struggling but he’s one of the strongest blokes I know

“I knew he was going to be fine and he had good support around him with his girlfriend Lucy.

It has been tough (watching on). It‘s more tough with the concussions.

“I am not too fazed with how he’s going (with his form), it’s more how he’s feeling. If he’s feeling flat that’s the main thing I care about. As long as he’s back feeling happy and feeling confident I am happy. And I am just glad to see him back on track.”

Originally published as Paddy McCartin fit, symptom-free and pushing for 2021 return despite concussions