St Kilda key forward Paddy McCartin admits his battles with concussion have been difficult to handle but he is confident in making a strong return to the game in 2018.
The 21-year-old made an impressive start to the pre-season on Wednesday, running a significant personal best in the opening three-kilometre time-trial of the summer.
Speaking at the Saints’ first to fourth-year camp in country Victoria, McCartin said injury setbacks are part of the game and something you need to cope with if you’re going to make it.
“You take in [constant speculation] what you want really. I sort of knew at times what was going on, but I had to have a lot of consultations and stuff like that with specialists,” McCartin told journalists at a press conference on Thursday.
“It is tough, but it is a tough industry and tough stuff happens to lots of people; you cop it on the chin and move on.
“I’m feeling really confident and so are the docs and everyone I’ve spoken to that I’m going to be fine. I’m really looking forward to next year.”
Young Saints off and racing on day one
McCartin, who hasn’t played a game since sustaining a concussion in a VFL game in late June, revealed his previous head knocks hadn’t entered his mind when he has returned in the past.
“To be honest, I’ve actually never thought about the concussions once while I’ve been playing.
“But I’ve never actually gone into a game and thought ‘God I can’t put my head there or can’t do this or that’ and I think that’s a good sign.
“The day that starts happening is the day I’ll have to look at what I’m doing.”
The 2014 No. 1 pick said his recent history with
“It would be extremely tough for my family (to watch). My Mum and Dad obviously get very nervous, but I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of parents who have kids playing any professional sport," he said.
“My Mum and Dad, my brothers, my girlfriend and everyone that’s in my family
