Brisbane defender and former Bulldog Marcus Adams has called time on his career following advice from the Lions' medical team and AFL medical specialists amid an ongoing battle with concussion.
Adams last played for the Lions in Round 21 last year against Carlton, with the 30-year-old suffering a concussion in the match before being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to the head trauma.
In January of this year Adams was placed on Brisbane's long-term injury list as he continued to face issues in relation to the concussion.
Adams would not play a game this season as he continued in his rehabilitation, concentrating on his his health and wellbeing.
On Wednesday the club confirmed that Adams has decided to retire after 73 career games following advice from medical professionals.
“While no part of me really wants to let it go, I know it's the right decision for me,” Adams said in a club statement.
“The whole journey is something I will remember very fondly, and even though it hasn't ended how I would've liked, it has been the best experience I could have hoped for.
“Thanks to my family, friends and the whole footy club for the support over the past 12 months, and most importantly Ellie who has just been so wonderful."
Adams was drafted into the AFL in 2015 as a mature-aged recruit for the Western Bulldogs out of Western Australia.
He would play 27 games in the blue, white and red before heading north to Brisbane at the end of the 2018 season.
Adams would quickly emerge as a reliable lockdown defender for the Lions, who he played 46 games for across four years in Queensland.
Brisbane football boss Danny Daly said Adams will forever be remembered and admired by his peers for the impact he had on the club.
“While it has been a challenging 12 months for Marcus, we have all admired the way he has handled the situation, which speaks volumes of him as a person and professional,” Daly said.
“The health and wellbeing of all players and staff is always our main priority and all we want for Marcus is for him to be fit, healthy and happy.
“On the field Marcus was an important player for us as a reliable, strong defender and off the field he was very popular amongst his teammates and Lions fans alike.
“Marcus and his family will always be part of the Brisbane Lions family and we wish him all the best for life after football and will always be here for him.”
Adams informed his teammate of his decision to retire on Tuesday.
