Injuries

Richmond ruckman Shaun Hampson has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective immediately. Hampson, 30, has not played a senior game in two seasons due to a chronic back condition. Although both he and the club's medical staff have worked hard to alleviate the condition, but it has not been successful, and Hampson decided to call it quits as he considered his long-term hearth and his family more important than getting out and playing footy again.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Shortly after Round 23 concluded, the Swans announced that Lance Franklin was suffering from, and being treated for, an undisclosed mental health issue.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Just as Round 19 was underway, and amid the Adam Goodes controversy, Kangaroo player Leigh Adams quietly announced his retirement from football. Adams, nicknamed "Patch", has suffered a few head knocks and concussions over the course of his career and consulted North Melbourne medical staff as well as several specialists before making his decision. Adams, 27, took the medical advice and decided his health must take priority.

Adams, who was known for his fierce attack on the ball and a willingness to throw himself into contests, suffered a concussion late in 2014 and missed that Finals series.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

McIntosh, 30, was originally drafted by North Melbourne in 2002 but was hampered by injuries in his first two seasons. He finally made his debut early in 2005.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Brisbane defender Matt Maguire has been forced into retirement due to a severe concussion suffered during a NEAFL match on Anzac Day (April 25). Maguire, 31, began his career with St Kilda in 2002 and

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Euphemistically called "seeing stars" or "getting your bell rung" can make concussion sound mildly amusing. We have all heard the expression "punch drunk" when referring to boxers who suffer slurred speech and other symptoms which resemble inebriation. In reality, there is nothing amusing about a blow to the head which causes injury to the brain. That is exactly what a concussion is - a traumatic brain injury or TBI. How a person is affected by such an injury depends partly on the area of the brain which is the most affected by a blow. Such injuries can occur in a number of ways - the head hitting the ground, a collision with another person or the constant pummeling two contestants inflict upon each other in a boxing ring. Even in soccer, which is primarily a non-contact sport, players are not immune with players who use their heads to make contact with the ball at risk for a concussion. The same can be said of baseball where, although the incidence may be lower than in other sports, players may still be at risk for collisions. This might occur for example if two outfielders collide while running with eyes only on a fly ball or batters and pitchers get hit with a ball traveling at great speed.

The season is barely one week old and already several players are going to be sidelined for a number of weeks. The clubs have the option of promoting a rookie to the senior list to replace the injured players who must remain on the long-term injury list for a minimum of 6-8 weeks regardless of their recovery progress.

Collingwood and St Kilda look to have few injury concerns as they get ready to pick their best 22 players for the Grand Final on Saturday. All reports indicate that Saints Nick Dal Santo and Jason Gram and Magpie Jason Ball, who appeared to sustain slight injuries in last week's Preliminary Finals, will be available and fit for selection.