Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy, who has faced challenges, reportedly managed to avoid another concussion after a concerning incident during the Magpies’ match practice.

The incident occurred during a game simulation at the club’s headquarters, where Nick Daicos tackled Murphy to the ground, seemingly driving him head-first into the turf. After being assisted from the ground, Murphy underwent a 15-minute assessment by Collingwood’s medical staff and was ultimately cleared to resume playing, bringing relief to everyone involved, particularly Murphy.

The exceptional key-position defender has experienced numerous setbacks related to concussions in previous years, leading to the AFL’s concussion panel being consulted to provide a medical recommendation concerning the future of the Magpie’s professional career.

This decision followed Murphy’s concussion during the first quarter of the 2023 Grand Final, which resulted in him being sidelined for the rest of the match.

Murphy, granted clearance to resume training with the Magpies in December, has faced concerns with ten concussions, including an incident early last season when he was off-ball struck by St Kilda’s Anthony Caminiti in April.

Another AFL player, former Sydney defender Paddy McCartin, who also experienced frequent concussions, decided to retire last season due to repeated head knocks.

Meanwhile, Collingwood’s veteran defender Jeremy Howe has fully recovered from his serious arm injury sustained in Round 1 last year, which caused three separate breaks and kept him sidelined for 13 games in the previous season.

Howe, expressing positional flexibility, anticipates maintaining his role in Collingwood’s defense for the upcoming season, despite occasionally playing forward. He clarified that his primary role remains in the defensive line, and he is willing to contribute by kicking goals if needed.