Collingwood’s Josh Carmichael has become the fourth AFL player forced into medical retirement this year.

The 24-year-old met with the league’s concussion panel where it was decided he can never play contact sport again, reports 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary.

Carmichael last played for the Magpies’ VFL side in May – finishing the game on the sidelines due to another concussion, his third in nine months.

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He hasn’t been able to train or play since due to concussion symptoms.

The midfielder sat out of part of the Magpies’ pre-season after suffering a concussion at training in December. It came after a concussion in Collingwood’s first VFL final last August.

Collingwood will continue to support Carmichael through the next stages of his life.

“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,” Carmichael said.

“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.”

The AFL’s independent board in April found Carmichael’s former teammate Nathan Murphy should cease his playing career after a series of head injuries.

A meeting with the league’s panel covers a wide-range of topics and can allow the player to continue their career if cleared.

Murphy was given the green light to play on after meeting with the panel last year following a concussion in the Magpies’ 2023 premiership.

However, further symptoms earlier this year led to another meeting and ultimately his retirement.

Melbourne premiership player Angus Brayshaw and Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll called time on their careers earlier this year after similar meetings.

Carmichael was taken with pick No.9 in the 2022 AFL Mid-Season Draft and has played eight AFL games.

– With Mitch Cleary