Concussion forces Crows winger Seedsman to retire

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Adelaide winger Paul Seedsman has become the third AFL player in recent weeks forced into premature retirement because of concussion issues.

The 31-year-old has spent the last two years on the inactive list after suffering a head knock during pre-season training.

Seedsman had a career-best season in 2021 when he was included in the preliminary All-Australian squad and placed third in the Crows' best-and-fairest award, but never played another game.

He joins Sydney defender Paddy McCartin and Hawthorn ruck Max Lynch in retiring due to concussion-related symptoms already in August.

"It's always hard letting go of something you still want to do, and every part of me still wants to play," Seedsman said.

"But I've had time to digest that I can't and I'm comfortable with that, I don't stew over 'what ifs', I try and look at getting myself healthy.

"I've been able to get back to enjoying watching footy again, and that's what has also made this difficult because I see the club going in a strong direction, I'd love to help them get to the next stage, but now I will enjoy watching them for years to come."

Seedsman bows out after 132 games across 13 seasons, starting with Collingwood in 2012.

He arrived at Adelaide in 2016, playing in the Crows' three finals in 2017, including the grand final defeat to Richmond.

"Understandably it's been a very difficult and at times frustrating period for Paul and his family following his injury," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

"But the way he has conducted himself speaks to the class of the person and footballer he is."