How Murphy has found solace in Brayshaw, McCartin and Pucovski as role at Collingwood emerges

Retired Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy has been forming an unofficial support group relating to concussion in sport.

Murphy was forced to prematurely retire from the game in April through advice from a medical panel after a series of concussions.

The 24-year-old, who was a key figure in the Magpies’ 2023 premiership triumph, says he has sought advice from and shared stories with the likes of Angus Brayshaw, Paddy McCartin and cricketer Will Pucovski who have all similarly been forced into retirement because of concussion.

“‘Gus’ (Brayshaw) and I have constantly been in contact which has been really nice, just to kind of share the experience with someone else,” Murphy said on SEN Breakfast.

“Paddy McCartin has been really good and I’ve also been in contact with Will Pucovski who has gone through a similar situation in cricket.

“I think it’s really nice just to share these stories with each other because it can be a pretty lonely space. You kind of tell people how you’re going but I don’t think they can fully relate, whereas boys in similar situations understand the experiences, the symptoms and everyday life.

“It’s been really nice to share those stories with those boys and develop really nice and close relationships off the back of it.”

Murphy suggests that this little ‘concussion union’ may continue to strengthen in a bid to make life easier for athletes who face similar issues.

“There’s so much unknown in this space so the more we can make it a comfortable experience for the people going through it the better it is for them,” he added.

“Gus Brayshaw is pretty keen on really supporting and creating a group for the people going through this so they have people to bounce off.

“It’s really to create a conversation which I think is the most important thing.”

Since his retirement, which came after just 57 games at AFL level, Murphy has had a constant line of contact with the supportive Magpies.

He is expected to return to Collingwood, once he receives the medical all-clear, most likely in a development role and admits he is looking forward to again stepping foot in the ‘fantasy world’ of the AFL.

“They’ve been amazing. They’ve been in contact with me since I left,” Murphy said.

“There’s a role there for me at the club once my health is all good which I’m really excited about.

“I don’t miss playing football, I just miss the social side of football and the workplace at an AFL club, you don’t get similar in the ‘real world’. We call it the real world because the AFL is a bit of a fantasy world. We work 7 to 2 and we get looked after pretty well.

“There is a role there for me and I’m excited to connect with the boys when I can get my health in order.”

As for how he’s feeling, he says there is plenty to be positive about.

“It’s been a long year trying to tackle the concussion symptoms and other health stuff. I’ve just been trying to get that in order,” Murphy said further.

“I feel like I’m turning on a good path which is exciting for me and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come.”