Accepting that ‘you may never play again’: The key to AFL recovery for Seedsman

When Adelaide Crows wingman Paul Seedsman suffered a concussion during a training session last year, he expected to be back on the field much sooner.

“I was actually training at a higher level only three months ago but I think that’s what caused me this trouble.”

Six months since the head knock, the 30-year-old still has lingering symptoms but is learning how to manage.

“It was just sort of a steady decline for a while and then sort of started to come a bit better and I started to try and go for a run and do some weights and just found trouble with it at every turn,” Seedsman said.

During a press conference on Friday, Seedsman rubbed his eyes and had to ask for a camera light to be turned off, indicating he still faces a long journey towards recovery.

He said a conversation with a current AFL player has helped change his perspective.

“Angus Brayshaw said to me that being comfortable with the fact you may never play again was actually one of the turning points for him,” Seedsman said.

Melbourne Demons midfielder Angus Brayshaw suffered four concussions during games in 2016 and 2017.

The 26-year-old now wears a protective helmet when he plays.

While Brayshaw’s advice was difficult to accept, Seedsman wants to follow his path and eventually make a return to the big stage.

“When he accepted that, he was able to improve… and I feel like that’s the right way to go about it.”

AFL rules currently stipulate that any player recovering from a concussion must spend a minimum of 12 days away from the game, but there has recently been calls for the break to be extended to 28 days.

Despite Seedsman being ruled out for the rest of the 2022 AFL season, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said the wingman is in a good place.

“It’s good to see him smiling and see him up and about,” Nicks said.

“He made a joke to me that he thinks today is the first day he’s been up before lunch.”

Nicks said the health and safety of players should always be prioritised above the game.

Seedsman remains involved with the club in an off-field role but believes he will have the ball back in his hands once again.

“I want to put myself in a position where I can come back and play footy and have a crack at it,” Seedsman said.

“But I’m not going to be stupid about it — the number-one priority is life after football.”

He said he will make sure his wife and family are comfortable with him playing before deciding to return.