West Coast defender Brad Sheppard faces a tough decision for both his football career and his life after footy.
The 30-year-old continues to suffer from concussion symptoms which stem from head knocks he received during the 2021 season.
Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett said this week that the club will be patient with Sheppard as he considers his future in the game.
SEN SA Breakfast’s Andrew Hayes and Adam Cooney discussed the choice in front of the 2020 All-Australian.
“It’s a tough one isn’t it, because this is a bloke who is 30 years old and played over 200 games,” Hayes said.
“He’s had an amazing career, but you’ve got to start thinking about life after football.
“We’re still learning as we go more and more about the effects and everything that comes with concussion.
“He’d be in a very tough spot to make a decision right now.”
Brownlow Medallist Cooney says if there is any risk whatsoever, Sheppard must err on the side of caution so he can focus on enjoying life beyond football.
“The brain is not like a hamstring injury where you can rehab it for 21 days and be back out there and be cherry ripe again,” the former Western Bulldog and Essendon midfielder said.
“We just don’t know the lingering and lasting effects of concussion and it’s concerning when you have multiple concussions in a year and also a delayed concussion.
“It doesn’t sound promising, unfortunately, for Brad Sheppard.
“You have to do the right thing. He’s had a terrific career, he’s still got hopefully 70 more years of life after footy and you need your brain to be in tip top shape to enjoy it to the fullest.
“Similar to the Paddy McCartin situation. I was just staggered that he was thinking of an AFL comeback given how many concussions that he’s been through and the severity, and the ease in which some of those concussions have occurred.
“You need your brain after football. You probably don’t need it too much when you’re playing, but it comes in handy after.
“So if there’s any sort of doubt or any concern about the brain, then it’s probably best to hang up the boots and enjoy life after footy.”
Sheppard, who has played 216 games for the club since 2010, continues to take a cautious approach regarding any impending return to training.
He is contracted with the Eagles until the end of 2023.