‘He gave everything he had’: Concussion forces Greenwood into retirement at 32
One of modern football’s renowned hard-nosed midfielders, Levi Greenwood, has retired from the game due to the effects of concussion.
After 160 games across stints at North Melbourne and Collingwood, Greenwood made the announcement on Monday afternoon “after ongoing discussions with club doctors and consulting concussion specialists outside of the club”, according to a Magpies statement.
Collingwood’s Levi Greenwood has called time on his playing career.Credit:Getty Images
Greenwood was concussed in round five against the West Coast Eagles after a heavy collision with star big man Nic Naitanui. The 32-year-old suffered delayed concussion symptoms that ruled him out of the Anzac Day clash against Essendon.
He has since overcome those, but prioritised his health and opted to retire because of his history of head knocks.
Collingwood leaders including skipper Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams, and Jeremy Howe paid tribute to Greenwood’s impact on the field.
“You feel like there’s moments in games, and it’s always Levi, or players of that ilk, that were the ones who made the big tackle or won the big 50/50 ball and just gave everything they had,” Pendlebury told the Collingwood website.
“And that’s why playing with Levi – and all the players who played with him… he’s all heart, he gave it everything he had, and that can take away from how skilful he was, and his marking ability, his goalkicking ability – he was a lot more than just a hard player.
“He was a complete player – he worked extremely hard on his game, watching vision, off-season training, he was one of the most dedicated blokes I’ve come across.”
During a meeting at the club, Greenwood thanked his teammates and coaches, including Magpies great and former coach Nathan Buckley.
“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for two clubs in North Melbourne and Collingwood, and have the support of my teammates, coaches, staff and the fans over the past 14 years,” Greenwood said.
“It was great to be able to thank the players and staff at the club today, and I am looking forward to extending my appreciation and reminiscing with those that have supported me across my career. Bucks being one, who particularly over the last few years has been an incredible coach and friend.”
Through the club’s statement, Collingwood football boss Graham Wright thanked Greenwood for his contribution as a Magpies player and said he looked forward to his contribution as a part-time coach at the club.
“Levi has been as disciplined and consistent as it gets in his approach to training, and it’s allowed him to line up and battle with some of the best midfielders in the game,” Wright said.
“While I am sure Levi’s teammates and the supporters will miss the tough and uncompromising competitor he was, we’re grateful that his rich football knowledge and experience will remain at the club as he steps into a part-time coaching role and continues to work with the rehab group.
“The club thanks Levi for his unwavering commitment and contribution as a player.”
Greenwood was selected by North Melbourne with pick No.32 in the 2007 National Draft and arrived at Collingwood during the 2014 trade period in exchange for pick 25.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article