Paul Seedsman last played in 2021 where he proved himself as one of the best wingers in the game with his massive tank a noticeable strength.
(AFL Photos)
Ongoing concussion symptoms has meant that Adelaide Crows’ wingman, Paul Seedsman and Brisbane Lions’ key defender, Marcus Adams have both been moved to the inactive list for 2023 in the last couple days.
Seedsman suffered his concussion over 12 months ago and has spoken to the club about the impact it has on his day-to-day life, while Adams is still recovering from the concussion that he had back in August last year. It’s a commonly known fact that concussion is becoming more of an issue in the Australian Football League (AFL) and the more we learn about it, the more we know about how serious the implications of it are.
Seedsman was one of the best wingers in the game before he suffered a concussion at training in late 2021, this saw him miss the entire 2022 season with ongoing effects from the knock. He finished third in the Crows’ best and fairest in 2021 and was named in the All-Australian squad, rewarding the outstanding individual season he had. At 30 years of age, he was delisted at the end of last season and then rookie listed this year but has now been placed on the club’s inactive list and won’t play in 2023. Seedsman comes out of contract at the end of 2023 and after playing 132 games of AFL football, you sense his career will likely come to an end.
Seedsman said some of the ongoing symptoms that he had dealt with on the back of the concussion included nausea and constant migraines.
“"You hate the thought of it (not playing again), and I try not to spend too much time thinking about it … I understand that is a very real possibility,” he said.
“Eventually I want to start a family and have kids and I don't want to be sitting in bed and being miserable all day, every day.
“That is definitely the number one priority, life after football.”
Following Brisbane’s clash against Carlton in round 21 of last year, Adams suffered delayed concussion and with ongoing symptoms, he didn’t take any further part in the season. After making the move from the Bulldogs at the end of the 2018 season, the big-bodied defender’s career has had a breath of fresh air as he established himself as a key cog in the side’s defensive set-up. Adams also turns 30 this year and will be out of contract at the end of the 2023 season, which sadly looks to be the beginning of his retirement. Adams has played 73 games of AFL to date.
Marcus Adams is assisted by trainers after the contest which left him with over five months of concussion symptoms.
(AFL Photos)
As somebody who has suffered concussions which have essentially ended my football career before even playing at a senior level, I understand the fear and anxiety associated with considering a potential return.
The brain is a unique thing, and everybody reacts different to knocks, the thought of worse symptoms for an indefinite period of time definitely concerns me, Adams said this also “worried” him.
Lions’ coach, Chris Fagan told Fox Footy last season that the 30-year-old was in good spirits but acknowledged his welfare and health was the most important thing.
“He's optimistic that he'll come right, which is great, but he's also, on the other hand, fairly nervous about it and hoping that he will come right,” Fagan said.
“We'll wrap our arms around him as a footy club and make sure he gets all the help and expertise that he needs to hopefully get over this and first and foremost make a good recovery.”
Both players are “unlikely” to play at all during the 2023 season as they both continue to suffer symptoms associated with the serious concussions.
Great article.