southerncross
26-05-2007, 07:34 AM
Hits take toll on Montgomery (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21794366%255E20322,00.html)
WESTERN Bulldog Brett Montgomery has been forced to retire because of a serious neck injury.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5499240,00.jpg Bulldog pulls the plug: Brett Montgomery has been forced to retire with a serious neck injury.
The 33-year-old veteran of 204 games was told late last week that he should hang up his boots.
Montgomery has three bulging discs in his neck, one pressing on his spinal cord, and was advised by a neurosurgeon that he risked permanent damage should he play on.
The tough midfielder, who recovered from a brutal knock by Collingwood's Brodie Holland in last year's elimination final win to kick four goals in the Bulldogs win, is expected to make a full recovery within six to 18 months.
"It was a shock to get the final word, but over the past three or four weeks I've had a feeling that's the way it was going. For something that started out as a pretty simple collarbone injury, it's pretty disappointing," Montgomery said.
Montgomery hurt his collarbone in Round 1 against Geelong, but after it failed to improve, further testing found the real source of his problems.
He said he did not believe the heavy hit that earned Holland a six-week suspension was the specific cause of his neck injury, rather the cumulative toll of 12 seasons of AFL footy.
"It's probably a combination of a few things. I couldn't put it down to one incident, but certainly a lot of contact over an extended period hasn't helped," Montgomery said.
"I could go back and probably think of five or six incidents, but there's probably another half a dozen that I don't remember as well. We train pretty hard these days as well, so not everything you see on the field every weekend is the contributor to something like this."
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade praised Montgomery for his splendid career, which included a 2004 premiership with Port Adelaide, a best-and-fairest, All-Australian selection and international representation against Ireland.
"It is certainly disappointing for Brett to finish his career like this, as in his short time back at the club he made a real impact on the team," Eade said.
"Brett is a true professional whose determined approach, hardness at the ball and commitment to football added to the team's progression last year and there is no doubt he will be missed.
"Brett has had a great career, including his role in a premiership, as a tough committed player. His hard approach was no more evident than during our finals match against Collingwood last year."
Montgomery, who has a sports science degree, said he would seriously consider coaching.
"Hopefully it won't be the end of me in footy. That would be a real shame, I think," Montgomery said.
"I look at coaching. I'll certainly consider it. I've spoken to Rocket (Eade) about putting the toe in the water and seeing if it's for me, whether I've got anything to offer.
"I don't think you really know until you have a go."
With Chris Grant due to return in the next two weeks, Montgomery's retirement gives the Bulldogs the opportunity to retain rookie Jarrod Harbrow on their senior list.
WESTERN Bulldog Brett Montgomery has been forced to retire because of a serious neck injury.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5499240,00.jpg Bulldog pulls the plug: Brett Montgomery has been forced to retire with a serious neck injury.
The 33-year-old veteran of 204 games was told late last week that he should hang up his boots.
Montgomery has three bulging discs in his neck, one pressing on his spinal cord, and was advised by a neurosurgeon that he risked permanent damage should he play on.
The tough midfielder, who recovered from a brutal knock by Collingwood's Brodie Holland in last year's elimination final win to kick four goals in the Bulldogs win, is expected to make a full recovery within six to 18 months.
"It was a shock to get the final word, but over the past three or four weeks I've had a feeling that's the way it was going. For something that started out as a pretty simple collarbone injury, it's pretty disappointing," Montgomery said.
Montgomery hurt his collarbone in Round 1 against Geelong, but after it failed to improve, further testing found the real source of his problems.
He said he did not believe the heavy hit that earned Holland a six-week suspension was the specific cause of his neck injury, rather the cumulative toll of 12 seasons of AFL footy.
"It's probably a combination of a few things. I couldn't put it down to one incident, but certainly a lot of contact over an extended period hasn't helped," Montgomery said.
"I could go back and probably think of five or six incidents, but there's probably another half a dozen that I don't remember as well. We train pretty hard these days as well, so not everything you see on the field every weekend is the contributor to something like this."
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade praised Montgomery for his splendid career, which included a 2004 premiership with Port Adelaide, a best-and-fairest, All-Australian selection and international representation against Ireland.
"It is certainly disappointing for Brett to finish his career like this, as in his short time back at the club he made a real impact on the team," Eade said.
"Brett is a true professional whose determined approach, hardness at the ball and commitment to football added to the team's progression last year and there is no doubt he will be missed.
"Brett has had a great career, including his role in a premiership, as a tough committed player. His hard approach was no more evident than during our finals match against Collingwood last year."
Montgomery, who has a sports science degree, said he would seriously consider coaching.
"Hopefully it won't be the end of me in footy. That would be a real shame, I think," Montgomery said.
"I look at coaching. I'll certainly consider it. I've spoken to Rocket (Eade) about putting the toe in the water and seeing if it's for me, whether I've got anything to offer.
"I don't think you really know until you have a go."
With Chris Grant due to return in the next two weeks, Montgomery's retirement gives the Bulldogs the opportunity to retain rookie Jarrod Harbrow on their senior list.