Former No.1 draft choose Paddy McCartin has introduced his AFL retirement because of concussion points that derailed a promising profession.
The Sydney defender has been sidelined since spherical 4, when he suffered his most up-to-date concussion throughout a loss to Port Adelaide.
McCartin’s resolution got here after an unbiased AFL medical concussion panel advisable the 27-year-old stop participation in touch sport.
“I am obviously disappointed that I’m no longer able to continue to do what I love, but I have to be guided by the specialists and I know that this is the right decision for me,” McCartin stated in a press release.
“I want to thank the Sydney Swans for the faith shown in me and the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing AFL football.
“It has been a privilege to play for this nice membership and I’ll bear in mind this time fondly.”
McCartin was selected by St Kilda with the first pick in the 2014 draft but managed just 35 games with the club.
He was delisted at the end of 2019 after multiple bouts of concussion.
McCartin returned to action through Sydney’s VFL program and made it back to the highest level when he was rookie-listed by the Swans for the 2022 season.
He played 24 senior games that year – all alongside brother Tom McCartin, including the grand final loss to Geelong – but managed just another four games this season.
“Paddy’s story is a robust one,” Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said.
“He has proven outstanding drive and resilience to beat appreciable setbacks to play on the highest stage and fulfil his potential.”
McCartin’s resolution comes a fortnight after Hawthorn ruckman Max Lynch retired on related medical recommendation following repeated concussions.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
