Brayshaw told teammates on Thursday morning he had made the decision after medical experts determined it was unsafe for him to continue playing following multiple head injuries.

The 28-year-old is walking away with five more seasons still to run on his multimillion-dollar contract, which expired at the end of the 2028 season, having played 167 games for the club.

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He had undergone brain scans and consulted neurologists over summer in a bid to continue his career.

However, just two weeks before the club’s season begins with a blockbuster against the Swans in Sydney on March 7, Brayshaw has been forced to accept that his career is over.

“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game that I love, but I respect the verdict of the medical professionals, and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.

“I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past decade. I have been able to live out my childhood dream