‘Devastated’ Angus Brayshaw retires from AFL due to concussion

Microscopic changes in the brain of Melbourne’s AFL premiership-winning player Angus Brayshaw following a concussion last season has forced him to retire from the sport at the age of 28.

The West Australian was knocked unconscious in September’s qualifying final by a mistimed smother from Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard, for which the Pies player avoided suspension.

Brayshaw – who missed much of the of the 2016 and 2017 season with concussion issues – has been undergoing rehabilitation during the off-season which involved regular testing, which detected the tiny changes in his brain.

He said concussion “is a massive issue facing our game”.

“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,” he said.

“I hope from this, a terrible result for me personally, can come some positive outcomes for the future of player safety.”

Since the Maynard incident, the AFL has changed its rules to crack down on players who attempt to smother and make contact with an opponent’s head.

The league is facing multiple legal claims from former players over its historical management of head injuries.

AFL executive general manager of football, Laura Kane, said two weeks ago the league had made over 30 rule variations recently to make the game safer, but was adamant changes – including to the smother – did not affect the attractiveness of the code.

She said on Thursday the AFL supports Brayshaw’s decision to retire and applauded his “leadership” for making the decision.

“Angus’s 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,” she said.

The retirement of Brayshaw is another blow to the Demons on the eve of the 2024 season, after utility Joel Smith was accused of trafficking or attempted trafficking of cocaine by Sports Integrity Australia.

Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert thanked Brayshaw for his contribution to the club.

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Angus Brayshaw’s headgear. Photograph: Michael Dodge/AAP

“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.

Demons coach Simon Goodwin said Brayshaw will “always be a Melbourne person”.

“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,” Goodwin said.

Brayshaw started wearing his famous helmet after the concussion issues he faced early in his career. He said he felt “really proud” of what he had achieved in the past decade.

He finishes his career with 167 games and 49 goals in the nine seasons for Melbourne, after being drafted at pick No 3 in 2014.

“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,” he said.

Brayshaw’s partner is Danielle Frawley – the daughter of late AFL great Danny Frawley – who died in 2021 after suffering mental health issues. Frawley was later found to have severe CTE, a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries.

Pert pledged to discuss with Brayshaw a possible post-playing role with the Demons “as things settle down”.