Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy Retires at 24 Due to Concussion Concerns
Nathan Murphy, the premiership-winning defender for Collingwood, has announced his retirement from the AFL after medical advice from the league’s concussion panel. The 24-year-old revealed his decision to his teammates and the club’s staff at the AIA Centre on Tuesday morning, following a conclusive discussion on Saturday.
Murphy’s AFL journey concluded prematurely due to recurrent concussion issues, the latest occurring during last year’s Grand Final, where he was forced to leave the game in the first quarter. Despite receiving clearance from the AFL concussion panel to resume playing late last year, Murphy had recently reduced his training intensity and after ongoing consultations, he and the club agreed on his medical retirement. This decision came after his tenth concussion, which he sustained during the premiership victory.
During an emotional press conference, Murphy expressed his gratitude towards the club for their support throughout his ordeal. “It’s been a tough few months, but the medical professionals have guided me to this decision, which I fully trust and accept,” he said. Standing beside him, his close friend, business partner, and backline coach Jordan Roughead, shared insights into their attempts to modify Murphy’s approach to the game to reduce risks, which ultimately could not prevent the decision for his retirement.
Before his AFL career, Murphy was a notable cricket player, representing Australia at the under-16 level and playing for Victoria in his youth. Selected by Collingwood with the 39th pick in the 2017 AFL Draft from Brighton Grammar, Murphy had dreamed of a dual career in cricket and Australian rules football. Reflecting on his future, Murphy joked about a potential return to cricket, hinting at aspirations to open batting for Australia in a Boxing Day Test, though he admitted that cricket hadn’t been a priority in recent turbulent weeks.
Post-retirement, Murphy might reengage with his business ventures. He co-owns the Whiplash café in Hawthorn along with Roughead, Collingwood key forward Brody Mihocek, and former player Callum Brown. Roughead quipped about Murphy’s prowess on the coffee machine and his potential to draw a crowd, even suggesting he might charge more as a premiership hero.
Collingwood’s management, including CEO Craig Kelly and interim head of football Brendon Bolton, assured Murphy of the club’s ongoing support during his transition out of professional sports. They also expressed openness to welcoming him back in a different capacity, possibly in coaching or administration.
Murphy’s retirement marks the second such case in the AFL this year due to concussion, following Melbourne premiership player Angus Brayshaw’s similar departure. Ending his career with 57 games and a premiership medal, Murphy’s decision underscores the growing concerns around concussion in sports and the impact it has on the lives and careers of professional athletes.
