Crow’s veteran Paul Seedsman admits he’s not sure he’ll resume his playing career, an ongoing traumatic battle still holding Wingman back from his regular promise.
Seedsman was ruled out of the 2022 season due to an injury sustained during pre-season training last year.
The 30-year-old says he is doing what he can to return to the field one day but admits there is a “real possibility” of not playing again.
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“Constant headaches, migraines, nausea – you struggle to concentrate,” Seedsman said of the early symptoms.
“There was a time when I definitely couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I probably thought I played my last game … it was so frustrating and flat every day, it was a fight.
“You hate the thought of it (don’t play again) and I try not to spend too much time on it. I understand it’s a very real possibility.
“But what I’m doing is getting back into the game.”
He was speaking at a news conference on Friday, showing Seedsman’s fight with injuries in front of reporters. He kept his eyes peeled and needed to turn off the camera light while talking.
He added, “I’m not out of jail in that sense.”
“I still have limitations in everything I do, even from just a mental capacity, to everyday tasks.”
The 132-gamer, named in last year’s 40-member All-Australian squad, finished third season at the Adelaide Club Champions Awards.
Seedsman says the family’s decision will come first before attempting any return.
“Ultimately I want to start a family and give birth to kids and I don’t want to stay in bed and be miserable all day, every day,” he said.
“It’s definitely the number one priority, life after football.
“I want to play football … (but) I’m not going to be fooled by it.”
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