Justin Clarke Announces Retirement

[If it bleeds]

One of the most likeable guys on our list. Really upset over the news. Hope it works out for him.

Couldn't agree more.
Justin we appreciate everything u have brought to the lions. Now it's time to step back and take time for yourself.
Ironically one of the movies I really wanted to see coming out was " concussion" with will smith.
Now I just feel abit apprehensive to go see it.

But I do see Justin being used in the coaches box. A genius in the waiting, for game plan and coaching tactics!

Get well soon bud, we r all behind u!

 

[M Malice]

Dr. alan pearce on concussion, recorded today.
http://www.sen.com.au/audio#W2OYLMjLwfFulfzZ.97

 

[pauldrc]

Devastated!

Thought he'd be a key back for us for the next 10+ years....get better soon Justin - be selfish if you have to and put yourself first, no one will think any less of you mate.

 

[AFLQLD]

I hope he gets back on the footy field and we see him play again.

But I hope more that he recovers and is well.

 

[WA Lion]

I hope he gets back on the footy field and we see him play again.

But I hope more that he recovers and is well.

of all the posts since the news broke, this perhaps sums it up the best!

 

[mpal6]

Just get well mate. **** footy, just get well.

 

[Ruse]

Can we not push out the door already, we kinda need him in the team. If there's a chance he can make a full recovery then no one should be telling him to retire.

 

[BRAB]

Can we not push out the door already, we kinda need him in the team. If there's a chance he can make a full recovery then no one should be telling him to retire.

If there's a chance he could ruin his life playing footy then nobody should be telling him to keep playing.

 

[WA Lion]

If there's a chance he could ruin his life playing footy then nobody should be telling him to keep playing.

yep - we are fans of a football team, this is his life. Quality of life is everything

 

[Van_Dyke]

Hoping for the best for all involved. Most important thing is that he recovers. Best wishes for everyone.


Apologies for the intrusion

 

[BRAB]

Hoping for the best for all involved. Most important thing is that he recovers. Best wishes for everyone.


Apologies for the intrusion

Don't think you have to apologise for an intrusion, as long as you're not blabbering on about restraint of trade, Dayne Beams and old American slave dance songs you're welcome here.

 

[lionraven]

Im usually a lurker but I thought Id make an account to comment on this as I have a medical background. Reading between the lines Clarke is suffering from a case of post-concussion syndrome. Basically when you have a concussion the shearing forces inside your skull cause contusions on the brain. The initial insult causes the signs of concussion we are familiar with. Then afterwards within the next few days your brain reacts to the insult with some minor swelling/inflammation. You can also have disruption of the normal connections within the brain. There may also be a psychological aspect of this disorder we just dont understand. Whatever it is, it is not a long term insult. The brain structurally is fine its just its working is a bit disrupted. The rate of PCS is usually 10-15% of concussions. Symptoms include headache, irritability/mood changes, memory, cognition issues, fatigue, double vision etc. Its very variable. PCS itself usually recovers within 3 months but there may be lingering minor symptoms for up to a year. There is no conclusive evidence that a single episode of PCS results in a higher rate of brain injury later on in life.

Hopefully Clarke returns midway through the year. Although something like this happening to a bright and aware person with mental gifts may cause him to reconsider football. Personally I hope he has access to some counseling services to work through the mental/psychological side of PCS and the fear, anxiety and depression it can cause.

 

[Football Pope]

Im usually a lurker but I thought Id make an account to comment on this as I have a medical background. Reading between the lines Clarke is suffering from a case of post-concussion syndrome. Basically when you have a concussion the shearing forces inside your skull cause contusions on the brain. The initial insult causes the signs of concussion we are familiar with. Then afterwards within the next few days your brain reacts to the insult with some minor swelling/inflammation. You can also have disruption of the normal connections within the brain. There may also be a psychological aspect of this disorder we just dont understand. Whatever it is, it is not a long term insult. The brain structurally is fine its just its working is a bit disrupted. The rate of PCS is usually 10-15% of concussions. Symptoms include headache, irritability/mood changes, memory, cognition issues, fatigue, double vision etc. Its very variable. PCS itself usually recovers within 3 months but there may be lingering minor symptoms for up to a year. There is no conclusive evidence that a single episode of PCS results in a higher rate of brain injury later on in life.

Hopefully Clarke returns midway through the year. Although something like this happening to a bright and aware person with mental gifts may cause him to reconsider football. Personally I hope he has access to some counseling services to work through the mental/psychological side of PCS and the fear, anxiety and depression it can cause.

Welcome...Nice post

 

[Kevvo]

Im usually a lurker but I thought Id make an account to comment on this as I have a medical background. Reading between the lines Clarke is suffering from a case of post-concussion syndrome. Basically when you have a concussion the shearing forces inside your skull cause contusions on the brain. The initial insult causes the signs of concussion we are familiar with. Then afterwards within the next few days your brain reacts to the insult with some minor swelling/inflammation. You can also have disruption of the normal connections within the brain. There may also be a psychological aspect of this disorder we just dont understand. Whatever it is, it is not a long term insult. The brain structurally is fine its just its working is a bit disrupted. The rate of PCS is usually 10-15% of concussions. Symptoms include headache, irritability/mood changes, memory, cognition issues, fatigue, double vision etc. Its very variable. PCS itself usually recovers within 3 months but there may be lingering minor symptoms for up to a year. There is no conclusive evidence that a single episode of PCS results in a higher rate of brain injury later on in life.

Hopefully Clarke returns midway through the year. Although something like this happening to a bright and aware person with mental gifts may cause him to reconsider football. Personally I hope he has access to some counseling services to work through the mental/psychological side of PCS and the fear, anxiety and depression it can cause.

It's great to have a clear explanation of this. Thanks lionraven .

 

[Full Wingspan]

Best of luck to the young man.

I hope to the Football Gods that he plays again, I've always talked up big Clarkey to be the pillar of our defence moving forward, but for some reason I've got this feeling this is the last we'll see of Clarkey. Especially when one of his defending mentors in Goose has just retired due to concussion related injuries. To see him injured like this is both extremely concerning and shattering as a Lions fan.

I for one can appreciate that there is more to life than football, and I hold nothing against him for looking after that big 99.95 ATAR brain of his. I daresay a knock like this would also impact on his ability to continue flying as a pilot.

All the best Justin, and hopefully its a speedy recovery regardless what the future holds for you.

 

[Full Wingspan]

Im usually a lurker but I thought Id make an account to comment on this as I have a medical background. Reading between the lines Clarke is suffering from a case of post-concussion syndrome. Basically when you have a concussion the shearing forces inside your skull cause contusions on the brain. The initial insult causes the signs of concussion we are familiar with. Then afterwards within the next few days your brain reacts to the insult with some minor swelling/inflammation. You can also have disruption of the normal connections within the brain. There may also be a psychological aspect of this disorder we just dont understand. Whatever it is, it is not a long term insult. The brain structurally is fine its just its working is a bit disrupted. The rate of PCS is usually 10-15% of concussions. Symptoms include headache, irritability/mood changes, memory, cognition issues, fatigue, double vision etc. Its very variable. PCS itself usually recovers within 3 months but there may be lingering minor symptoms for up to a year. There is no conclusive evidence that a single episode of PCS results in a higher rate of brain injury later on in life.

Hopefully Clarke returns midway through the year. Although something like this happening to a bright and aware person with mental gifts may cause him to reconsider football. Personally I hope he has access to some counseling services to work through the mental/psychological side of PCS and the fear, anxiety and depression it can cause.

One of the better first posts you'll see. Thanks for your insight and welcome to the forums.

 

[winged1]

I dont think we should be rushing to conclusions that is all over for Clarkey in boxing if you are knocked out there is a one month suspension, MMA it is three months. These things can heal, but caution is being shown which is the correct thing to do. I was incorrect in another post saying he hit the ground it appears he was accidentally kneed in the side of the head, bone is a little thinner there. I would be concerned if he came back and got another concussion in a relatively short period of time.

 

[blackers]

Im usually a lurker but I thought Id make an account to comment on this as I have a medical background. Reading between the lines Clarke is suffering from a case of post-concussion syndrome. Basically when you have a concussion the shearing forces inside your skull cause contusions on the brain. The initial insult causes the signs of concussion we are familiar with. Then afterwards within the next few days your brain reacts to the insult with some minor swelling/inflammation. You can also have disruption of the normal connections within the brain. There may also be a psychological aspect of this disorder we just dont understand. Whatever it is, it is not a long term insult. The brain structurally is fine its just its working is a bit disrupted. The rate of PCS is usually 10-15% of concussions. Symptoms include headache, irritability/mood changes, memory, cognition issues, fatigue, double vision etc. Its very variable. PCS itself usually recovers within 3 months but there may be lingering minor symptoms for up to a year. There is no conclusive evidence that a single episode of PCS results in a higher rate of brain injury later on in life.

Hopefully Clarke returns midway through the year. Although something like this happening to a bright and aware person with mental gifts may cause him to reconsider football. Personally I hope he has access to some counseling services to work through the mental/psychological side of PCS and the fear, anxiety and depression it can cause.

Thanks for this. Rare opportunity on these boards to hear from someone who know what they are talking about.

Sounds like he's pretty much done for the year, if he can't train for the next few months he may as well be cautious.

To what extent would wearing a helmet reduce his risks of concussion and associated symptoms? My first thought (admittedly as a Lions fan who would love to see him back on the field next season) was that he could just play in a helmet for the rest of his career.

Surprised that PCS occurs in 10-15% of concussions. That means there are a lot of players playing through this who shouldn't be.

 

[BRAB]

Thanks for this. Rare opportunity on these boards to hear from someone who know what they are talking about.

Sounds like he's pretty much done for the year, if he can't train for the next few months he may as well be cautious.

To what extent would wearing a helmet reduce his risks of concussion and associated symptoms? My first thought (admittedly as a Lions fan who would love to see him back on the field next season) was that he could just play in a helmet for the rest of his career.

Surprised that PCS occurs in 10-15% of concussions. That means there are a lot of players playing through this who shouldn't be.

I feel like last year Brodie smith was one of those players. He wasn't the same player after his head knock until the last few games of the season.

 

[James North]

Thanks for joining lionraven. I hope you quoth more.

 

[Wounded Lion]

Thanks for joining lionraven. I hope you quoth more.

Proper spelling encouraged!

 

[Cockliff38]

Don't know about anyone else but this has been such a downer. There had been so much positive news/vibes leading up to the season proper, credit to the comms department and the players for building a bit of hype. But it's hard not to feel like it's all unraveled now. My feelings on this aren't motivated by on-field performance, it's just such a crap situation that's overshadowed any excitement I did have for footy. Couldn't imagine how the players are feeling internally

 

[irish]

Give him all the time and support he needs , has been a loyal player deserves all we can give him

 

[Nest of Cats]

Sorry to intrude but hope JC makes a full recovery. Have known him and his family since he was a little tacker and a nicer person you couldn't meet.

I reckon he'll have no trouble making the right decision for his future after something like this.

 

[Milux]

Im usually a lurker but I thought Id make an account to comment on this as I have a medical background. Reading between the lines Clarke is suffering from a case of post-concussion syndrome. Basically when you have a concussion the shearing forces inside your skull cause contusions on the brain. The initial insult causes the signs of concussion we are familiar with. Then afterwards within the next few days your brain reacts to the insult with some minor swelling/inflammation. You can also have disruption of the normal connections within the brain. There may also be a psychological aspect of this disorder we just dont understand. Whatever it is, it is not a long term insult. The brain structurally is fine its just its working is a bit disrupted. The rate of PCS is usually 10-15% of concussions. Symptoms include headache, irritability/mood changes, memory, cognition issues, fatigue, double vision etc. Its very variable. PCS itself usually recovers within 3 months but there may be lingering minor symptoms for up to a year. There is no conclusive evidence that a single episode of PCS results in a higher rate of brain injury later on in life.

Hopefully Clarke returns midway through the year. Although something like this happening to a bright and aware person with mental gifts may cause him to reconsider football. Personally I hope he has access to some counseling services to work through the mental/psychological side of PCS and the fear, anxiety and depression it can cause.

Excellent like/post ratio. I wish my KD was that high.

But seriously good post. Thanks for some insight into the concussion side of things.

I personally would love to see him play footy again. But if theres even a .1% doubt in clarkes head that he should retire then i feel he should. Not only does he has his health to think of which is and always will be the number one concern.

But he also has the team to think of. People might take this the wrong way and i hope they dont but if he doubt his ability to go into contests come game day he is no use to the team. We cant have people pulling out of contests because they are scared because thats when some serious damage can be done physically (i know different levels of football but I remember my very first game of afl that i played in under 16s i half pulled out of a contest and got cleaned up. I still feel it now and not to mention my mates never let me forget it). Fare enough clarke has massive upside outside of football but if thats what he is thinking now then its time to move on.

I want to clarify that i have the utmost respect for this kid who may not be super talented or super athletic but is just a plain and simple hard worker. I have more respect for people who want to work hard then plain athletes.

I hope he beleives he can play again. I want to see him play again. But i also want him to be safe and happy with what ever decision he makes.