Collingwood's Josh Carmichael Awaits Career Decision from Concussion Panel

Collingwood youngster Josh Carmichael is anxiously awaiting a decision on his playing future as he prepares to meet with an independent concussion panel. Carmichael, who sustained a concussion while playing for the Pies' VFL side in May, has been dealing with persistent symptoms since the incident.

Key Points

• Injury Details:

• Date of Injury: May 2024

• Symptoms: Ongoing concussion effects

• Current Status: On injury list since early May

• Career Overview:

• Drafted: 2022 mid-season draft

• AFL Games Played: 8

• Previous Concussions:

• Training incident in December 2023

• VFL final in August 2023

Decision Awaited from Concussion Panel

The 24-year-old midfielder will meet with the concussion panel this week to determine his future. The panel will assess his head trauma and decide whether to end his career or allow him to return under a concussion management program.

Recent History of Concussion-Related Retirements

Carmichael’s situation comes just months after his teammate, Nathan Murphy, was forced to medically retire due to repeated head injuries. Murphy, a 24-year-old premiership defender, played his final game in the 2023 grand final, where he suffered a concussion in the first quarter.

Retired Players Due to Concussion in 2024:

• Nathan Murphy (Collingwood): Retired after 57 AFL games

• Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne): Retired due to ongoing concussion issues

• Aiden O'Driscoll (Western Bulldogs): Retired due to concussion

Support from the Club

Collingwood has been supportive throughout Carmichael's ordeal. The club has a history of offering roles to players forced into early retirement due to health issues, as seen with Nathan Murphy.

Summary Table

Josh Carmichael's future in the AFL hangs in the balance as he awaits the decision of an independent concussion panel. The outcome will determine whether he can continue playing or will join other players in early retirement due to the long-term effects of concussion.