Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O'Driscoll has been forced into an early retirement after recently meeting with the AFL's concussion panel.
O'Driscoll joined the Bulldogs via last year's National Draft as the 55th overall selection, moving east from Western Australia as a promising wing prospect out of the Perth Demons.
A concussion at training in January has forced O'Driscoll to the sidelines for his first season at the Kennel, with the club having monitored and supported the teenager in the opening months of his AFL career.
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O'Driscoll has now been forced into retiring from the game in his first year with the Bulldogs due to concerns surrounding his health.
"Aiden suffered a significant head injury during a preseason training session in January, a club statement read.
"Following extensive clinical assessments, investigations and expert consultation that included a review by an Independent Medical Concussion Panel, Aiden has been advised to retire from contact sports in theย interestsย of his long-term health and wellbeing.
"The Clubย will give Aiden and his family all the support it canย at this difficult time."
O'Driscoll becomes the third player to retire due to concussion this year, following Melbourne's Angus Brayshaw and Collingwood's Nathan Murphy.
O'Driscoll is the younger brother of Fremantle pair Nathan and Emma.
