Paddy McCartin will not play an AFL game in the 2020 season, according to AFL.com.au.

After consulting with head knock specialists in Australia and the United States, the decision was come to that for McCartin’s long term health, sitting out the season was the only viable option.

McCartin, who was drafted number one overall in the 2014 AFL Draft, has only played 35 games in his career and has suffered eight concussions.

His most recent injury occurred while wearing protective headgear in the 2019 preseason while attempting mark vs the Bulldogs.

The 23-year-old will be delisted by the Saints this week and his contract will run out at the end of the season.

It is understood that McCartin’s coaching role with Sandringham has also been cancelled.

This year McCartin is likely to act as a spokesperson for head injuries or diabetes, an infliction he has endured since a young age.