THE HEADLINER

Brayshaw beats concussion for decider

MELBOURNE star Angus Brayshaw admits he never imagined he would play in a grand final when repeated concussions threatened to end his career.

Brayshaw, who wears a signature helmet during matches, is one of the feel-good stories of the 2021 grand final having fought back from a series of worrying head knocks during 2016 and 2017.

He spent months on the sidelines during both seasons.

But Brayshaw is adamant he would not hesitate to sit out such a monumental the game if he thought he was putting his health at risk.

“If I was concussed last week and had a grand final that I was going to miss, you put your health first,” Brayshaw said.

“Footy is a game. You’ve got to live with your head. Hopefully

I live to 100. That’s 70 more years I’ve got to live.

“This is one outcome and people see me in a grand final and think I’ve come a long way. But don’t put your brain at risk.

“Forget about coming back to play in a grand final and do the best thing for you. That may include giving away football or sport. I was certainly prepared to do that. I am so lucky. I could very easily not be playing.”

The AFL removed the prospect of the mandatory 12-day break for concussed players robbing anyone of a grand final appearance by adding a bye after the preliminary final this year.

Brayshaw fought his concussion battle when Melbourne

were still experiencing a finals drought. He said struggling for success had made the team’s rise more special.

Between 2013-2015 Melbourne drafted Christian Salem, Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Brayshaw with top-10 picks and they’ve formed the nucleus for the team’s move up the ladder.