Former Collingwood coach and AFL legend Nathan Buckley recently disclosed that his partner, Brodie Ryan, has been battling epilepsy. This revelation came during an event promoting the Walk for Epilepsy cause, a challenge where participants are encouraged to walk four kilometers daily for 25 days. Buckley shared that Ryan began experiencing seizures unexpectedly a few years ago, marking a dramatic shift in her health.
Buckley explained that although it’s primarily Ryan’s story to tell, he has been by her side as she navigates the complexities of epilepsy. Over the past three or four years, Ryan has had several seizures, and they are still in the process of understanding the condition and managing it effectively. The former coach admitted that he knew very little about epilepsy before witnessing Ryan’s experience firsthand. He described the sudden onset of her seizures as something that “hits hard and hits quickly,” emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that accompanies such episodes.
During their relationship, Ryan has had one or two seizures, and both she and Buckley are working towards uncovering the root cause of her condition. He highlighted the challenges of dealing with epilepsy, including the stigma associated with it, which often leads people to hide their struggles rather than confronting them openly. Buckley expressed hope that Ryan will eventually gain a better understanding of her condition, which will help her manage it more effectively.
The Walk for Epilepsy cause is not only significant to Buckley but also resonates deeply with other AFL greats, such as Richmond’s Neil Balme and Carlton’s Brett Ratten. Both have personal connections to epilepsy, which drives their involvement in raising awareness and support for the cause. Balme, now 72, revealed that he has also suffered from epilepsy. A few years ago, he experienced a severe seizure that left him and his wife terrified. Before that incident, he was unaware of his condition. Fortunately, medication has since helped him manage it, making him one of the “lucky ones.”
Balme stressed that epilepsy is still not well understood, even though it affects one in 25 people, ranging from young children to older adults like himself. He believes it’s a crucial cause for people to support, given how common and potentially debilitating the condition can be.
Brett Ratten, another AFL champion, is also deeply involved in the Walk for Epilepsy due to his daughter Tilly’s struggle with the condition. His personal experience with a loved one battling epilepsy further highlights the importance of the cause and the need for increased awareness and understanding of the condition.
Meanwhile, in the AFL world, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has taken a firm stance on the recovery timeline for players with ACL injuries. He stated that the club would adhere to an 11-month recovery period for such injuries, indicating that they would not rush midfielder Bailey Smith back into action for the finals. This decision comes in the wake of Carlton’s Sam Docherty making a rapid comeback from knee surgery after just six months.
Smith, who is expected to transfer to Geelong next season, suffered an ACL rupture during training in December. Beveridge emphasized the importance of following a tried-and-true recovery protocol to ensure players are fully ready before returning to the game, minimizing the risk of recurrence. He contrasted this cautious approach with the more aggressive recovery timeline that some clubs might adopt, particularly for players nearing the end of their careers, like Docherty.
Despite Smith’s absence from the finals, he participated in a training session at Whitten Oval without any leg strapping, indicating positive progress in his recovery. Smith has completed part of his rehabilitation away from the club, with the support of the club’s hierarchy.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their elimination final against Hawthorn, another midfielder, Adam Treloar, is set to play, underscoring the club’s focus on maintaining a strong lineup while prioritizing the long-term health and careers of their players.
