Many players go on to have successful and long careers in the AFL, but a portion of players have their careers cut short. Some are star players who just didn't get a good crack to show what they have, or succumbed to the nasty history and role that injuries play in the game.

We take a look at 10 of the most notable names who had their promising careers end prematurely.

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4. Justin Clarke

In his youth, Justin Clarke identified himself as more of an academic, and only decided to seriously pursue footy at age 18. He actually achieved an ATAR of 99.95, the highest score possible for high school students.

Clarke was selected at pick four by Brisbane in the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft, meaning he couldn't play at senior level. He was an important part of the Lions' reserves team, helping them win the NEAFL premiership.

In 2013, he was elevated to the senior list and would enjoy a great early career, until 2016.

In January 2016, during preseason training, Clarke collided with a teammate's knee, leaving him unconscious for 15 seconds. He was taken to hospital but didn't suffer any serious injuries, so was thought.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 12: Justin Clarke of the Lions kicks during the round 15 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at The Gabba on July 12, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Clarke continued to suffer severe concussion symptoms, while confined to his house, and lost all memory of the incident. Symptoms would persist for months.

Clarke described an instance where he got lost on his way to university.

"I didn't know how to get there, and that scared me a lot," he told SBS.

Due to recommendations from three different specialists, Clarke retired at 22, playing 56 games and was told he cannot play contact sport again.

Since his footy days, Clarke has taken up non-contact sports, such as rowing and cricket, and has coached footy, but has said he finds it hard to be around something he loves and can't do anymore.

Clarke has graduated from The University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) and a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics). He has also been selected as a Rhodes Scholarย for 2021 and will complete a Doctor of Philosophy atย Oxford Universityย in Engineering Science.

So perhaps that 99.95 ATAR did come in handy after all.