"I love my coaching" - Nathan Murphy confirms Collingwood offered him role at the club following early retirement
Former Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy has been offered a coaching role by the Magpies days after announcing his retirement from the AFL (Australia Football League).
The 24-year-old was forced to medically retire on the advice of the AFL's concussion medical team. He suffered an estimated 10 concussions in his short-lived AFL career and admitted to having constant headaches, migraines and anxiety.
Murphy has been battling concussion problems since the 2023 Grand Final where he was subbed off after a first-quarter concussion.
He recently revealed that Collingwood offered him a coaching role that will see him continue being affiliated with the club. Speaking on Sunday Footy Show, he said (via Zero Hanger):
"The club's been amazing with that. They've offered me a chance to come back in."
The 2023 premiership winner also expressed his delight in returning to the club less than a week after saying his goodbyes.
"For me, it's been less than a week and I already miss the boys. I did all this big farewell, and I'll be saying hello to them next week. I just want to stay around this club. There are so many good people there that I've been so fortunate to meet. I don't want to lose that yet."
He added that he loves coaching, admitting that the new role is an opportunity to improve his off-field skill set.
"I love my coaching, so it's a good chance for me to develop that as well."
Collingwood offered a remarkable gesture to Nathan Murphy after being forced to retire at age 24
The Collingwood Magpies handed Nathan Murphy a huge financial gesture after he hung up his Aussie boots. The former Magpies defender was forced to retire at the age of 24 after suffering recurring concussions.
However, the club decided to pay out the remainder of Murphy's contract until 2025. As per the Daily Mail, he could receive as much as $1 million from the Pies despite not kicking a ball for the club again.
Nathan Murphy spent seven years with the Collingwood Magpies. He made 57 appearances and scored a goal for the club before hanging up his boots.