Melbourne suffer another blow as Angus Brayshaw retires

Melbourne’s pre-season has gone from bad to worse with experienced utility Angus Brayshaw retiring immediately because of his extended battle with concussions.

The Demons star suffered his latest incident in his team’s loss to eventual premier Collingwood in last year’s final series, when fiery Magpie Brayden Maynard attempted to smother the ball, but instead left the ground and made contact with the head of his opponent.

Brayshaw’s retirement is compounded by Clayton Oliver’s well-publicised off-field indescretions and key position player Joel Smith facing potential drug trafficking charges after testing positive to cocaine.

The tumultuous off-season has seen the Demons odds to win the 2024 AFL premiership blow to to $10, despite being as short as $7 immediately after the Magpies’ grand final victory over Brisbane.

Brayshaw, 28, told his teammates at 11am on Thursday that he wanted to play on this season, but had made the decision to retire after consulting with doctors and his management.

Brayshaw was taken at pick 3 in the 2013 AFL National Draft and has played 167 games, including being among the Demons’ best in their 2021 premiership.

Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy, who suffered his latest concussion in the AFL grand final, recently made the decision to play on, despite repeated incidents putting his career in jeopardy.

Melbourne clash with Sydney on March 7 in their season opener, with online bookmakers pricing them at $2.32 to defeat the Swans ($1.61).

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