Collingwood player Josh Carmichael has been retired from Australian football on medical grounds. 

The 24-year-old has sadly continued to experience concussion symptoms following a head knock sustained during the Club’s Round Six VFL match against the Southport Sharks in May. Carmichael has not returned to training since and has been managed in line with the AFL’s concussion protocols. 

Further medical care and support have been provided to Carmichael during this time, which included a recent assessment by the Independent Medical Panel, convened by the AFL. Following this meeting, it was advised that Carmichael medically retires from contact sport. 

Josh Carmichael said:

“The past couple of months have been a difficult and uncertain time for me but I have comfort now knowing the direction of my future, and disappointingly that is not playing Australian football.

“Footy has been a huge part of my sporting life over the years and I have loved being part of the Collingwood Football Club, but my priority is on my future and ensuring I live a full and healthy life. 

“I’d like to thank the Club, my coaches, teammates, and staff for all their support throughout my playing career at Collingwood and to everyone who has supported me along my football journey.

“I never imagined getting drafted to an AFL club, especially one like Collingwood and I’ll be forever grateful. I have made so many lifelong friends along the journey which is what footy is all about. As for the learnings, opportunities and experiences during my time here, I will forever cherish these and hold the memories close to my heart. 

“To my family and friends, thank you so much for your love and support during this time. Not only recently but the whole journey. Always believing in me. No matter what.”

Carmichael was drafted to Collingwood from West Adelaide in the SANFL in the 2022 Mid-Season Draft and debuted in Round 17 that year, 39 days later. He has played eight games at AFL level. 

Collingwood GM of Football Brendon Bolton said:

“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood we thank Josh for his contributions to our Club.”

“Josh’s welfare, like the welfare of all our people, has remained paramount and we commend Josh for his maturity in managing what has been a challenging time. 

“Even though Josh will no longer be a part of our AFL program, it is important that as a Club we continue to offer medical support to Josh as he transitions into the next phase of his life. 

“Josh is an intelligent, dedicated and hard-working young man, who has shared two years of his life with our program, and we are without a doubt better for it. Having worn the black and white stripes, Josh will always be a Collingwood player. 

“We wish Josh and his family all the very best with his future endeavours.”