Former Saint makes harrowing concussion confession on Footy: Then and Now

Former St Kilda star Justin Koschitzke admits he played in “multiple” AFL games he doesn’t remember finishing while detailing his concerns about the long-term impacts of concussion.

Koschitzke has navigated mental health issues since his retirement and told 3AW’s Footy: Then and Now podcast he had no doubt the heavy hits he took during his football career had played a role in his post-career struggles.

He said there were several matches for the Saints he played in that remained a blur, including the drive home from the ground afterwards.

“And that’s just ludicrous, when you think about it,” Koschitzke said.

He said he was glad to see much stricter protocols around concussion in the modern game.

Press PLAY below to hear Justin Koschitzke on Footy: Then and Now

Koschitzke joined 3AW to reflect on the greatest home and away match of the modern era in the build-up to Saturday’s clash between St Kilda and Geelong at Marvel Stadium.

The Saints and Cats met at the same venue in Round 14, 2009, both unbeaten at the time.

St Kilda emerged victorious by a goal in a truly classic encounter.

The Cats ended up turning the tables on the Saints when it mattered most, claiming the premiership later that year.

Geelong has consistently figured in finals in the years that have followed, while September appearances for the Saints have been few and far between.

Koschitzke said the club’s decision to move on key players such as Nick Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard and Ben McEvoy for draft picks in the years that followed remained a headscratcher.

“I don’t understand that,” he said.

‘Footy: Then and Now’ is a new weekly podcast that gets you excited for the weekend ahead by revisiting famous VFL/AFL moments with the people who shaped them. Follow/Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts

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