- Josh Carmichael quits football to protect his future health
- He was drafted by Collingwood in 2022 and had some surprising luck.
- Similar news continues to emerge about other football stars this season.
Collingwood youngster Josh Carmichael says his priority is “making sure I live a full and healthy life” after becoming the fourth AFL player in 2024 to be forced to retire due to concussion issues.
The 23-year-old, who has played just seven games, the last coming in Round 8 of 2023, has suffered three concussions in nine months and has been dealing with symptoms since May, when he played the last of his six VFL games this season.
He and the club had been in constant contact with the AFL and the recommendations of the specially convened medical panel were that he retire from contact sports.
“The last few months have been a difficult and uncertain time for me, but I am now comforted by the fact that I have a future ahead of me, and sadly it is not playing Australian rules football,” he said.
‘Football has been a big part of my sporting life over the years and I have loved being part of the Collingwood Football Club, but my priority is my future and making sure I live a full and healthy life.
‘I would like to thank the Club, my coaches, teammates and staff for all their support throughout my playing career at Collingwood and everyone who has supported me throughout my footballing journey.
“I never imagined I would be signed by an AFL club, especially one like Collingwood, and I will be forever grateful. I have made many lifelong friends throughout my journey, which is what football is all about. As for the learnings, opportunities and experiences I have had during my time here, I will always cherish them and hold the memories close to my heart.
‘To my family and friends, thank you so much for your love and support during this time. Not just recently, but all the way through. Always believing in me. No matter what.’
Carmichael joins Sydney’s Paddy McCartin, Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw and Western Bulldog rookie Aiden O’Driscoll as players forced to retire with concussion this year alone.
The South Australian made his AFL debut for the Magpies in Round 17 of 2022, having been selected in the mid-season draft, and played eight games that season, including a semi-final win over Fremantle.
He only played a single game in 2023 but played the first six rounds for Collingwood’s VFL side this season before suffering another concussion that left him unable to play.