22-year-old West Coast Eagle Luke Edwards could become the next to face an early retirement from his AFL career due to persistent concussion symptoms.
The young midfielder was most recently concussed during Round 20's Western Derby, when he entered concussion protocols for the third time in the 2024 season. Since this clash, Edwards has not participated in any further matches this season, and he is not expected to play for the remainder of the year.
Since being drafted in 2020, Edwards has played 37 games for the Eagles, showing flashes of promise despite a career punctuated by health setbacks.
His most notable performance came in 2021, where he tallied 27 disposals and five marks in a game against the then-reigning premiers, Richmond.
Recent meetings between the West Coast Eagles and Edwards' management team have been held, focusing on his health and future in the sport. Further medical evaluations are planned to determine the severity of his condition.
Depending on the results, Edwards may either be cleared to continue his career or referred to an AFL panel for a definitive decision on his playing future. If the latter occurs, there could be a possibility of a compensation payout.
The situation places Edwards among several other players who have recently faced similar career-ending health issues in the AFL.
In just the last year, high profile players such as Collingwood's Nathan Murphy, Melbourne's Angus Brayshaw, Collingwood's Josh Carmichael and Western Bulldogs draftee Aidan O'Driscoll have all retired on medical advice following prolonged concussion issues.
These cases also followed the devastating departure of Paddy McCartin from the code after his worryingly innocuous incident last season.
This trend highlights the evolving landscape of player health and safety within the AFL, as the league continues to navigate the challenges posed by head trauma. The long-term health risks associated with repeated head injuries in contact sports puts significant pressure on league's like the AFL to prioritise the well-being of its players above all else in the game.
As more players come forward with their struggles, the AFL's approach to managing concussions and protecting its athletes remains under scrutiny, potentially leading to further policy changes and advancements in player care.
