“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game that I love,but I respect the verdict of the medical professionals,and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.
“I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past decade. I have been able to live out my childhood dream and while it’s been cut short,I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved.
“I want to especially thank my teammates,my coaches and the staff at the Melbourne Football Club,for all they have done for me over the years. I also want to thank my family and my partner Danielle for their endless support. To every member and fan,thank you for your incredible support over the journey.
“Concussion is a massive issue facing our game. I hope from this,a terrible result for me personally,can come some positive outcomes for the future of player safety.”
He urged the game to prioritise player health in his letter on the Demons’ website.
“We have made great strides in this space,but there is more that needs to be done to safeguard the brains of players not only in the AFL ranks,but from grassroots all the way up,” Brayshaw wrote.
“It would be remiss of me to fail to acknowledge that hundreds of millions of people around the world are currently doing it tougher than I am. It is hard for me to stay upset for long.”
The AFL’s general manager of football,Laura Kane,lauded Brayshaw’s decision as a courageous one typical of his career,as the league wished him the best in the future.
“Angus’ health and wellbeing is of the upmost importance and his decision,made in consultation with his medical team,is one more courageous act that Angus consistently demonstrated throughout his decorated career across 167 games,” she said.
“Angus’ contribution to footy on the field is well documented,and we look forward to his continued contribution to our game off the field in the coming years.”
Brayshaw played 167 matches for the Demons and finished third in the 2018 Brownlow Medal. He was a star performer in the club’s drought-breaking 2021 premiership and is a hugely respected player having earned All-Australian nomination in 2022. He finished fourth in the Demons’ best and fairest last season.
Melbourne were planning to offer him an off-field role.