Retired Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy has shared a concerning update after being forced to retire at just 24 last month.
The 2023 premiership winner stepped away from AFL in April to ensure a ‘full and healthy life’ following multiple concussions. The Magpies, acting on advice from the AFL’s medical concussion panel, decided to ‘medically retire’ Murphy, who suffered his 10th concussion during last year’s grand final. Murphy expressed gratitude for the support he has received, noting, “I’m in a really good space and focused on my health with good people around me.”
Murphy is the second player to retire this year due to concussions from last year’s finals, following Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw. He is also the sixth AFL player to retire because of concussions in the past year, joining Brayshaw, Paddy McCartin (Sydney), Paul Seedsman (Adelaide), Marcus Adams (Brisbane), and Max Lynch (Hawthorn).
A recent survey revealed that one in ten AFL players conceal concussions.
Murphy is now involved in supporting Connor’s Run, Australia’s largest event for pediatric brain cancer. He serves as an ambassador for the event, along with Essendon stars Archie Perkins and Andrew McGrath and Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard. Connor’s Run honors Robert Connor Dawes, who died of brain cancer at 18.
Reflecting on his connection to the cause, Murphy said, “I’m an ex-Brighton Grammar boy, and I remember in my first year, we had the big funeral for Connor. It was amazing to see the community aspect, and I’ve participated in the run since the first year. Being a retired footballer now, I am able to jump on board.”
The AFL is currently negotiating a settlement to support former players affected by head injuries. Peter Jess, a prominent advocate for concussion awareness in the AFL, has proposed that the league should allocate up to $20 million annually for these players.
