Huge blow to the AFL as another MANY young stars quit the game due to football’s biggest problem

West Coast Eagles star Luke Edwards has revealed his decision to quit AFL football at the age of 22 to focus on his health.

Edwards has struggled with multiple headers since making his debut for the Eagles in 2021 and said he would step back ‘due to concussion’.

The young midfielder, the son of double premiership player Tyson Edwards, suffered three concussions last season and was placed in concussion protocol following the Round 20 Western Derby, his final game for the club.

Discussions had been held between the club and Edwards’ management in recent months while medical assessments were carried out.

His decision comes after many stars had to take a break from their playing careers due to concussion. Melbourne star Angus Brayshaw announced his retirement in February following long-term head injuries.

Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy and Josh Carmichael have also announced their retirement from the sport, while Western Bulldogs youngster Aiden O’Driscoll has been medically retired following an incident on the horror training ground.

Speaking to the Eagles club website, Edwards said: ‘I am currently leaving the game due to concussion to give me time to return to full health.’

‘With the support of my family and my club, I will take all the necessary steps to prepare myself for the next steps in my life.’

The 22-year-old player was selected with the 52nd pick in the 2020 national draft.

He would go on to play 37 senior matches for West Coast.

“Luke has made the difficult decision to leave the AFL to focus on his physical and mental health,” Eagles general manager of football Gavin Bell said.

Luke Edwards (centre) announces his retirement from professional football

The 22-year-old player announced that he made this decision ‘due to a concussion’

The club will continue to provide Luke with its full support and would like to thank him for his efforts over the last four years.

‘He was a popular member of the squad throughout his time at the club and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his life’s journey.’

Concussion injuries have been a huge topic of debate not only in the AFL but in many other sports around the world. Rugby union has been particularly rocked by fears over the number of brain injuries reported by players and former players in recent years.

Earlier this year, a worrying report emerged that more AFL players were admitting to hiding concussions; The AFLPA found that 12 per cent of AFL respondents and 10 per cent of AFLW respondents did not report a diagnosis or possible head injury in 2023.

AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said concussion was ‘rapidly emerging as the most significant issue in the game’.

The league has stepped in to tighten concussion-related rules for those playing outside the top tier, requiring players to go through a 21-day protocol. Those playing in the AFL are still required to follow a 12-day concussion protocol.

In a bid to protect the health of senior players, some brain injury campaigners have called for players to be banned if they suffer too many concussions during their careers. The comments come after Tom Liberatore suffered a worrying head injury this season that has left his future in the game in doubt. It was the fourth concussion in his last 22 games.

A 2023 study at the University of Oxford found that just a moderate to severe concussion can have long-term effects on a person’s brain function.

Those who had three or more concussions also had worse cognitive function.

The Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement (2024) recommends that players stay away from the game for a period of time if they suffer three or more concussions.

‘In cases where three concussions occur within a 12-month period, consideration should be given to missing a season of contact sports,’ the statement reads.

One of several young stars forced into retirement due to head injury

‘These decisions can have serious consequences for the athlete’s livelihood and mental health.

‘The decision about waiting times should be made after careful discussion between the athlete, support staff and the CMT.’