Collingwood make 'remarkable financial gesture' towards Nathan Murphy as he's forced to retire aged 24
Former Collingwood star Nathan Murphy has received a remarkable financial gesture from the Magpies after being forced to call it quits on Aussie football due to a series of concussions.
Murphy (24) on Tuesday, April 16, announced his decision to end his AFL (Australian Football League) career after seven years based on the advice of the AFL's medical concussion panel.
The ex-Magpie star suffered an estimated ten concussions in his career, the most notable one happening during the 2023 Grand Final triumph over the Brisbane Lions. Murphy cited his desire to live a rich and full life outside footy in the future as the reason for hanging up his footy boots.
With his blistering footy career cut short, the 2023 premiership winner has now been handed a generous financial gesture by his former footy employers. Collingwood has decided to pay out the remaining duration of Murphy's deal which runs to 2025.
As seen in the Daily Mail, the former AFL defender could receive as much as $1 million from the club. This gesture is a huge financial relief for Murphy as he looks forward to livelihood outside the game he loves.
Journalist claims Collingwood's financial gesture towards Nathan Murphy had a major influence on his retirement decision
News Corp journalist Jon Ralph has shared his insight on Collingwood's remarkable financial gesture to Nathan Murphy after being forced to retire at the age of 24.
The Magpies have decided to pay out the remainder of the 24-year-old's contract with the club which runs until 2025. As per reports, Murphy will receive a sum in the region of one million dollars.
Speaking on Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle, Rlaph revealed his thoughts on the gesture. He said:
"Most people would say 'what were they thinking?' They did it because they didn't want him to feel forced into trying to play on to shore up his financial future."
"Basically, they didn't want him to say 'OK, I haven't got enough money, if I play on, maybe I'll be able to buy a house or a property or a business as well'. They did it aware that one concussion was likely to end his career."
"My take — they basically did it trying to nudge him into retirement by saying 'take the money, even though we might have to pay it in our cap next year"
Nathan Murphy a 2023 premiership player made 57 appearances for the Magpies in a career that spanned seven years.