How concussions drove footy star to virtually finish his life – and the brand new sport aiding his restoration

Brendan Verrier was on the right track to attain his dream of turning into an AFL star when his world got here crashing down in 2017.

A vicious slung sort out late in a sport when turning out for the South Fremantle Bulldogs in Western Australia modified the whole lot.

However relatively than acknowledge he was critically concussed, Verrier – a gifted midfielder – saved chasing a Sherrin over the approaching weeks as footy was ‘his identification.’

And earlier than Verrier realised it, the injury had been achieved. 

Verrier had Second Affect Syndrome, which happens when one other head damage is sustained earlier than the primary concussion has healed.

Brendan Verrier was on the right track to attain his dream of turning into an AFL star when his world got here crashing down in 2017

Verrier finally discovered salvation in ultra-marathon working, and now graces picturesque trails in Alice Springs (pictured)

Elevated mind swelling adopted – and with persistent vertigo, dizziness and unsteadiness, he was finally identified with vestibular dysfunction.

Darkish ideas – together with suicide – entered Verrier’s headspace, and he knew he wanted a brand new life ardour.

Enter ultra-marathons.

A transfer to Alice Springs in January final 12 months, after accepting a job at Yirara Faculty, an Aboriginal boarding faculty, was the recent begin Verrier wanted in life.

It was additionally a venue providing plentiful working trails – particularly within the West MacDonnell Ranges. 

It has confirmed to be Verrier’s salvation.

‘I bear in mind the primary time I went on the paths, I simply felt, like, this magnificence in these mystical, magical ranges that we’ve got out within the desert,’ he advised the ABC.

‘It grabbed me right away, and it felt like I used to be really myself after I was working on these trails.

Brendan Verrier ignored concussion signs from enjoying AFL that rapidly despatched him down a darkish path

Verrier contemplated suicide earlier than fortunately discovering his new life ardour – path working

‘It felt like me, it felt like I used to be Brendan once more, after not being myself for 4 years whereas coping with my mind damage and my psychological well being struggles.’

Verrier has confirmed to be something however a novice in what’s a brutal sport, each bodily and mentally.

In Could, he gained the West Macs Monster 65-kilometre ultra-marathon occasion, blitzing the course document by 25 minutes.

‘I nonetheless wish to take a look at my thoughts and physique and see the place this takes me,’ he mentioned.

‘The longer you are on the market, the more durable it will get, however I have been by way of robust issues earlier than in my life.’

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