Brisbane Lions key defender Jack Frost has been forced into early retirement, after reoccurring concussions plagued his AFL career.
The former Collingwood Magpie had consulted head injury specialists at the beginning of Brisbane’s offseason, with the harsh reality becoming apparent quite quickly.
Having tolerated an obscene amount of concussions (14) across his 56-game career, Frost was left with little choice when deciding his playing future.
When addressing his decision to retire, Frost noted how he has days where he “feels okay, and accepts the fact that he can no longer play”. Conversely though, he also has moments of frustration, not quite understanding of why his career ended like this.
(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Both incredibly and coincidentally, Frost is the fourth Lion to retire in five years from ongoing concussion troubles; with Jonathon Brown, Justin Clarke and Matt Maguire also victims of one too many head knocks.
The decision to retire at the age of 26 was undoubtedly hard for Jack, but he understands that further concussions could lead to a lifetime of unstable health and complications.
Brisbane Lions football manager David Noble was quick to praise the lockdown defender for both his time at the club, and performance on the AFL stage across his career. Noble labelled him as someone who “has never wanted to let his teammates down”, and a brave, strong-willed contributor to the football club.
Jack was renowned for his ability to shut down the broader-sized defenders in his time in the AFL, and was often set the hard task of playing on forwards such as Buddy Franklin and Jesse Hogan.
Nevertheless, he was successful in his defensive play many a time in his career, and had a spoil that most defender would be envious of. Speed was also an asset of his, and was exceptional in cutting down the space between him and a leading opposition forward.
Frost played 54 games across four years at the Collingwood Magpies, and was unfortunately only able to play two games for the Lions across his two seasons on their list.
He still had one year left on his contract, playing out two of the three years initially signed. I wish Jack the best in his future endeavours, and all the best in health.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
A couple of the Brayshaw boys seem to get concussed regularly, IMO you have to pick your moments attacking the ball, you need good peripheral vision and sizing up a situation where there is a good chance of an outcome in your favour - all split moment decisions, sometimes when two players seem to be arriving at the ball at the same time from different angles it is better to corral a player than risk injury getting there first etc etc You actually rely heavily on your opponents doing the right thing and playing within the laws and spirit of the game and you should never leave yourself exposed to be picked off like some players do, i may have only watched a game of two of Frosts but i didn't notice a lack of self protection or game unawareness like for EX some in the womens game so i am pretty shocked to hear 14!. Some players can play hundreds of games and never be concussed.
Tornado
Roar Rookie
Yeah agreed - I guess that's the way the game works unfortunately. Really, really stiff to get that many knocks.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
Makes you wonder how many concussions someone like Shaun Burgoyne has had in 360 odd games ?. It's more than really bad luck
Tornado
Roar Rookie
A lot of back luck the likely source, but factors such as how hard he attacks the ball and head positioning could have something to do with it too
Aligee
Roar Rookie
I would be interested in how they frame 'concussions'. 14 concussions in 50 odd games ? WTF!! He either has no peripheral vision or is basically a kamikaze.
TomC
Roar Guru
Yeah, it's a very minor point. I don't know why I bothered, to be honest. As Paul points out, Frost's health is more important.
Tornado
Roar Rookie
Very unfortunate indeed
Tornado
Roar Rookie
Yes you are remembering correctly, did a good job too. Had the frame and athleticism. As others had said, hopefully a lot will pick him up as a defensive coach if he wishes to stay in the game.
Tornado
Roar Rookie
Apoligies Tom, I was unaware. I guess the wording worked out okay by accident with the "one too many knocks" that Paul pointed out haha
Paul D
Roar Guru
Technically the wording was "one too many bad knocks" - in Clarke's case I guess one was enough Hopefully Frost is still able to have some ongoing involvement in the game going forward
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I recall Frost being a great debut for the Pies, played on Buddy I think second game and did well and was a really good lock down defender. Wish him well.
TomC
Roar Guru
A very minor point, but worth clarifying that Justin Clarke's issues came from one bad knock, not from persistent concussions as was the case with Brown, Maguire and now Frost.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
A real blow to both player and club.
Tornado
Roar Rookie
Exactly that, did a great job in cracking the big time first of all
Dutski
Roar Guru
Times like this it's so important to remember that no matter how much you love it, it's still only a game. Good luck to you sir. You've achieved more in the game than 99.9% of the Australian population.