After sustaining many concussions, the 2023 premiership winner decided to retire from the AFL in April in order to lead a “full and healthy life.” Murphy suffered his tenth concussion during the grand final of the previous season. The Magpies made the decision to “medically retire” him after consulting with the AFL’s medical concussion panel. He opted to retire after pulling out of training in February, despite the panel clearing him to play in December.Murphy disclosed that he continues to have concussion symptoms on a daily basis, over six weeks after he retired.
“Watching the boys play has been tough,” he remarked. “I’m still dealing with symptoms on a daily basis, and I’m working with professionals to hopefully get better.”‘I’m in a really good position and focusing on my health with excellent people around me,’ I said, feeling extremely fortunate to have the amazing support that I have had. After Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw, Murphy is the second player this year to retire because of concussions sustained during the previous year’s finals.Adding themselves to the list of AFL players who have retired due to concussions in the last year is Paul Seedsman of Adelaide, Marcus Adams of Brisbane, Paddy McCartin of Sydney, and Max Lynch of Hawthorn. A recent investigation revealed an alarming one in ten AFL players conceal concussions.
Murphy is currently a supporter of Australia’s biggest brain cancer event for children, Connor’s Run.He is an ambassador for the September 15 event, along with Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard, Essendon’s Archie Perkins, and Andrew McGrath. Connor’s Run honors Robert Connor Dawes, who passed away at the age of 18 from brain cancer. “I used to be a Brighton Grammar student, and I recall that during my first year, we had Connor’s large funeral,” Murphy remarked.I’ve participated in the run since its inaugural year, and seeing the community component was incredible and fantastic. Now that I’m a former football player, I can become involved.
AFL players who suffered head injuries are currently being supported by a settlement that is being negotiated. AFL footballer Peter Jess, a well-known proponent of concussion awareness, recommends that the league spend up to $20 million a year on these players.