Blunt force drama: Are NRL players receiving the same realistic advice on concussions as AFL counterparts? [Video]

With the AFL heightened in its collective awareness of the long-term effects of head knocks, one could well be led to wonder whether NRL players are receiving the same medical advice, or simply ignoring the science.

The Western Bulldogs chose Aiden O’Driscoll as pick No.55 in the 2023 AFL draft. The player had dreams of becoming an AFL star, yet was suddenly left unable to compete after a shocking pre-season head clash that has since seen the 18-year-old announce his retirement from the game.

O’Driscoll is the third player to retire this season, after Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw and Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy also pulled the pin on their dreams, after medical advice suggested to all three that their lives as fathers, husbands and grandfathers could be compromised if another blow to the head was to come in the short to medium term.

All credit to the players who have made the …