Toast Brad Sheppard forced into retirement following multiple concussions

[Forward Press]

Multiple concussions force West Coast veteran Brad Sheppard into early retirement

One of the West Coast Eagles' most important players for the past decade — star defender Brad Sheppard — is forced into early retirement following multiple concussions.

www.abc.net.au

West Coast veteran Brad Sheppard has been forced to retire after multiple concussions prompted fears for his long-term heath.

Sheppard did not play again after being concussed in the round 22 derby, his second head injury in barely two months, admitting he was concerned at the time about the lingering impact.

Aside from being a toast thread for an undoubtedly star player for us over the past decade (216 games, 2020 All Australian) - with other players retiring early due to ongoing concussion-related issues, will this be the trend in the future?

All the best in retirement, Shep, and let's hope the concussions don't follow him in his post-footy life.

 

[kane249]

Under rated player.

Did a job every week with no mess and fuss. Could play equally as effective in shutting down talls and smalls.

 

[kaiserchief13]

2 concussion related retirements to WC players in last few months. Does Optus Stadium surface have something to do with it?

 

[TedDougChris]

Always sad when injury - particularly in this case - forces a player into early retirement.

Hopefully no ill effects for him in the future and best of luck with whatever he is looking to do.

 

[owen87]

2 concussion related retirements to WC players in last few months. Does Optus Stadium surface have something to do with it?

They don't train at Optus, so unlikely. Venables wouldn't have played or trained at the ground since mid-2019 I don't think?

 

[kaiserchief13]

They don't train at Optus, so unlikely. Venables wouldn't have played or trained at the ground since mid-2019 I don't think?

Venables never recovered and still hasn't from 1 concussion from Optus

 

[owen87]

Venables never recovered and still hasn't from 1 concussion from Optus

I think that's just shitty luck moreso than the playing surface itself contributing to anything.

There's also significantly more awareness about concussion than there was even 5 years ago.

 

[kaiserchief13]

I think that's just shitty luck moreso than the playing surface itself contributing to anything.

There's also significantly more awareness about concussion than there was even 5 years ago.

Maybe but what are odds 2 players from same team retire within few months of each other due to concussion. What other team had this situation?

 

[owen87]

Maybe but what are odds 2 players from same team retire within few months of each other due to concussion. What other team had this situation?

Sometimes things just happen, it's too small a sample size to say it's Optus causing it, otherwise Fremantle would have similar issues. And teams travelling would be getting more concussions there.

 

[Taylor]

Venables never recovered and still hasn't from 1 concussion from Optus

To be fair, the turf at Optus hit Venables like a bus and he got absolutely belted in that collision before hitting the ground.
Brad collided with other players. Banfield, Saad and I think another teammate in the Derby. Not so much turf related.

 

[kaiserchief13]

Sometimes things just happen, it's too small a sample size to say it's Optus causing it, otherwise Fremantle would have similar issues. And teams travelling would be getting more concussions there.

I didn't say it's Optus I said it might. If Fremantle cop nothing then sure it's just bad luck but away teams don't play there enough to be compared

 

[Elmer_Judd]

Terrible news. Sheppard was one of those players probably too brave for his own good as it turns. Massive blow for the Eagles and the game.

Wish Him all the best in his career post footy.

 

[kane249]

2 concussion related retirements to WC players in last few months. Does Optus Stadium surface have something to do with it?

Sheppard's big concussion last year came at the SCG vs Carlton

 

[kaiserchief13]

Sheppard's big concussion last year came at the SCG vs Carlton

I remember that but he got other concussions after that didn't he? I mean he did play the games after that

 

[kane249]

I remember that but he got other concussions after that didn't he? I mean he did play the games after that

Yes but that was the big one

Once you get a big one like that the effects of smaller ones get compounded after (See Picken, McCartin etc)

 

[Truckosaurus]

He also had his nose broken in an intraclub in January, that can't have helped his head.

 

[BigVic]

Two concussion-related forced retirements for the Eagles this year. Thanks Shepp

 

[Always Ballin]

Hitting the granite-like turf of Optus Stadium is like running into a Mack Truck going 100.

The Eagles are brave as hell.

 

[Upgrayedd]

From absolute Whipping boy into A genuine star. Deserved another AA

Gun player, Big loss for the eagles.

 

[yyou]

wishing him all the best for the future

 

[Goomba1973]

Venables never recovered and still hasn't from 1 concussion from Optus

Vardy's hip has a bit to do with that one

 

[blueboy25]

Vardy's hip has a bit to do with that one

I would have thought the Optus stadium turf was a bit softer than Vardy's hip.

 

[lumpinee]

wow,this is not good news,hope hes alrite.

 

[Vintage]

Shame, hope he recovers ok.

good player, and always seemed like one of the good guys.

 

[Goomba1973]

I would have thought the Optus stadium turf was a bit softer than Vardy's hip.

Well yes, that was kind of my point ....