Essendon's Nik Cox says he'll get back to the AFL after concussion panel ordered he sit out 2025
Cox, 22, hasn't played a game in 2025 as he continued to deal with the effects of concussion and fronted the AFL panel which has this year ordered the medical retirement of West Coast premiership veteran Jeremy McGovern.
But panel has provided 'a clear return-to-play pathway' for Cox, after stepping away from football completely for the remainder of the year.
Despite being forced to the sidelines, Cox said he would be back.
'After meeting with an independent AFL medical panel regarding my concussion history, I'm pleased that I've been cleared to continue my playing career,' he said
'While I'm disappointed that I won't return to the field for the remainder of the 2025 season, this time away from the game will be used to focus fully on my health, recovery, and building the strongest possible foundation heading into pre-season.
'I'm incredibly grateful to my club, teammates, medical staff, and everyone who has supported me through what's been a challenging and uncertain period. I've learned a lot about myself over the past few months, and I'm more motivated than ever to get back to doing what I love.
'My focus now is on continuing to work closely with specialists and the club to make sure I'm in the best place physically and mentally to return to football.'
Essendon football boss, Daniel McPherson, said the Bombers were 'fully committed to helping him recover both physically and mentally'.
'After meeting with the panel in June, the recommendation for Nik to step away from footy for the remainder of this year was one that we accepted with the view to giving him the best chance of getting back to his best when he returns, both on and off-field,' he said.
'Nik will have our full support as we navigate with him the next steps in his recovery.'
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