Ex-player slams ‘absolute joke’ AFL after sad retirement at 18
Former Western Bulldogs player Aiden O’Driscoll has taken aim at the AFL, calling the league an “absolute joke” for what he alleges is a lack of support following his medical retirement.
O’Driscoll retired at the age of 18 in 2024 before he got a chance to debut in the big league, after suffering a significant concussion during a pre-season training session.
Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll was forced to retire without playing an AFL game. Getty
The head injury ended his AFL career before it had a chance to begin.
Posting to Instagram on Tuesday, O'Driscoll laid out the turmoil he has been through over the last two years, including bouts of depression and side effects from the concussion.
He slammed the AFL for allegedly taking six weeks to find him a psychologist while he was battling with the concussion-related retirement and his own mental health.
The AFL has been contacted for comment and nine.com.au is not suggesting any wrongdoing by the league.
"The AFL has been an absolute joke towards helping me. Mentally I was so exhausted and drained, and it took six weeks for the AFL to find me a psychologist," he posted.
"Through this period, I was grieving the most, it got to the point where I started questioning my life? If it was worth living? I was so close to ending everything, I would’ve been free from all the pain/trauma.
"My family/close friends and partners honestly kept me here. Without them I felt so lost/lonely. I was truly trapped and I didn’t know where to go or how to get out of my depressive states.
“Why does something so cruel happen to an 18-year-old that had a bright future within the game he loved. It’s not just the fact that I can’t play AFL again, it’s more so the ongoing effects from this one hit.
"Weekly I experience symptoms, I can’t live a normal life. I experience brain fog, dizziness, depression, nausea, fatigue, memory loss. Only those close to me know what I’ve been going through and even questioned at times if I’m OK? A few people have been genuinely concerned on my wellbeing and memory.
"So, to the AFL: You have been nothing but a joke towards me! The last couple of years I’ve experienced nothing but pain, and I’ve explained it multiple times to you.
“You’re supposed to help AFL players through hardship, not leave them with absolutely nothing. The doctors described my concussion as ‘one of the worst’ they’ve seen. With eight micro brain bleeds, and fracture behind my ear.
Aiden O’Driscoll’s post against the AFL. Instagram
"From a medical point of view, losing my career, my identity plus going through the symptoms I have you’d think the AFL would be useful with some support?"
O'Driscoll's older brother, Nathan, who plays for Fremantle, commented "love you bro" in response to the post.
The former Bulldog urged the AFL to do more to help former players battling with the long-term effects of concussion.
"I know a few other past players that are dealing with the same issues as I am. AFL it’s time to step up! I’m a 21-year-old that can’t keep suffering each week. While you’re at it, help the other past players that need support," he wrote.
"So, whoever wants to become an AFL player, just be aware the (AFL) support system is bad. Just be aware if you’re in my situation, they will delay and deny everything that’s wrong with you.
"And try and avoid dealing with (past players) like myself as much as they can. A bit of help would be nice and not to be ignored by the CEO and other executives within the AFL."
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000
