Former St Kilda star Justin Koschitzke has revealed he played in “multiple” AFL games he doesn’t remember finishing, while detailing his concerns about the long-term impacts of concussion.
Koschitzke has navigated mental health issues since his retirement and has no doubt the heavy hits he took during his football career have played a role in his post-career struggles.
He said there were several matches for the Saints he played in that remained a blur, including the drive home from the ground afterwards.
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“And that’s just ludicrous, when you think about it,” Koschitzke told 3AW’s Footy: Then and Now podcast.
He said he was glad to see much stricter protocols around concussion in the modern game.
Koschitzke reflected on the greatest home and away match of the modern era in the build-up to Saturday’s clash between St Kilda and Geelong at Marvel Stadium.
The Saints and Cats met at the same venue in Round 14, 2009, both unbeaten at the time.
St Kilda emerged victorious by a goal in a truly classic encounter.
https://omny.fm/shows/3aw-is-football/justin-koschitzke-st-kilda-vs-geelong-undefeated/embed
The Cats ended up turning the tables on the Saints when it mattered most, claiming the premiership later that year.
Geelong has consistently figured in finals in the years that have followed, while September appearances for the Saints have been few and far between.
Koschitzke said the club’s decision to move on key players such as Nick Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard and Ben McEvoy for draft picks in the years that followed remained a headscratcher.
“I don’t understand that,” he said.
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