Concussions force Eagles mid Luke Edwards to walk away

West Coast midfielder Luke Edwards has become the latest AFL player to step away from the game due to concussion.

Edwards suffered three concussions this year, the most recent being in the round-20 western derby in what was his 12th appearance of the season.

It was feared the 22-year-old, who is the son of former Adelaide player Tyson Edwards, would be forced to retire on medical grounds.

Edwards’ current contract with West Coast has expired and the 37-game midfielder confirmed on Thursday he had decided to step away from the game.

“I am stepping away from the game currently due to concussion reasons to allow me the time to return to full health,” Edwards said in a statement.”With the support of my family and the club, I will take all steps required to prepare myself for the next steps in my life.”

Edwards joins Brad Sheppard and Daniel Venables as fellow Eagles who have had their careers cut short because of concussion.

Sheppard is suing West Coast and two former club doctors for medical negligence.

Venables, who was just 20 when he played his last AFL match, recently reactivated a legal case against West Coast and the league over a head injury he suffered in 2019.

Edwards was selected with pick No.52 in the 2020 national draft and played 37 senior matches for the Eagles.

It remains to be seen whether Edwards will retire completely from football or attempt to reignite his career if he can overcome his concussion injury.

A number of players have been forced to retire this year due to concussion, including Collingwood duo Nathan Murphy and Josh Carmichael, Melbourne premiership player Angus Brayshaw and Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll.

“Luke has made the difficult decision to step away from the AFL to concentrate on his physical and mental wellbeing,” West Coast football manager Gavin Bell said in a statement.”The club will continue to give full support to Luke and would like to thank him for his efforts over the last four years.”He has been a popular member of the squad in his time at the club and we wish him well for the next chapter of his life’s journey.”

Edwards’ departure means the Eagles have made 11 changes to their 2024 playing list ahead of November’s national draft.