Melbourne AFL Premiership player Angus Brayshaw has been medically retired effective immediately.

The decision follows extensive neurological testing and expert consultation, which concluded that the 28-year-old should be medically retired as a result of the concussion he sustained in the 2023 AFL Qualifying Final against Collingwood.

Brayshaw, who has been at the Club for nine years and is much loved by all the players, coaches and staff, informed his teammates and AFL Football Department of the decision on Thursday morning.

“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,” Brayshaw said.

“I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past decade. 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.

“I want to especially thank my teammates, my coaches and the staff at the Melbourne Football Club, for all they have done for me over the years. I also want to thank my family and my partner Danielle for their endless support. To every member and fan, thank you for your incredible support over the journey.

“Concussion is a massive issue facing our game. I hope from this, a terrible result for me personally, can come some positive outcomes for the future of player safety.”

Share your memories and messages of thanks for Angus Brayshaw here.

Following the concussion he sustained last September, Brayshaw was in the process of completing a thorough rehabilitation which involved ongoing neuropsychological testing.

That process allowed Brayshaw to return to a controlled training program, but recent neuropsychological testing brought that recovery program to a halt.

A recent highly specialised scan result revealed microscopic changes in the brain that had developed since the concussion. It was based on these results that Brayshaw has been medically retired.

Melbourne CEO Gary Pert thanked Brayshaw for his contribution to the Melbourne Football Club over the journey.

“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.

“Currently, our total focus is going into supporting Angus, his fiancé Danielle and the broader Brayshaw family after this devasting news.

“From the day Angus arrived at the Club, he has had a huge effect. He was a superstar player that was instrumental in our 2021 Premiership success.

“He has been a respected, influential leader of the player group, while at the same time being a much-loved personality who brought laughter and fun to his teammates and the staff every day.

“As things settle down following the announcement, we will talk to Angus to explore keeping him involved in the program in whatever role is appropriate.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, and our members and supporters, I would like to thank Angus for his unwavering loyalty, courage and dedication to the Club.”

Originally from Western Australia, Brayshaw became a Demon with pick No.3 in the 2014 National Draft and made his senior debut in the opening round of the following year.

He accumulated 167 games and 49 goals in the nine seasons since, with his most memorable being the 2021 AFL premiership victory at Optus Stadium.

AFL Senior Coach Simon Goodwin, who has coached Brayshaw throughout his entire AFL career, praised his character, commitment and achievements in the red and blue.

“As a coach, I am incredibly proud to have witnessed the impact Gus has had on this Club, for a number of years,” Goodwin said.

“Gus’ ability to achieve what most players can only dream of, securing a Premiership medallion and being part of something special, stands as a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.

“He has not only excelled on the field but has played a crucial role in shaping the standards and ethos of the Club. The legacy he leaves is something he should be immensely proud of.

“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.

“Gus will always be a Melbourne person, and has our full support for this next chapter of his life.”

Melbourne and the Brayshaw family ask that the media respects Brayshaw’s privacy at this time.