SEN Time On Host Sam McClure is reporting that St Kilda midfielder Koby Stevens has announced his abrupt retirement from AFL football.
Stevens was ruled out for the season in May after experiencing symptoms believed to be related to delayed onset concussion.
The 27-year-old experienced a head knock in Round 1, but it wasn’t until the build up to Round 4 where he started experiencing the symptoms.
"He has been struggling ever since that Round 1 knock when he had a pretty bad head clash against Brisbane," McClure told SEN Afternoons.
UPDATE
The Saint informed his teammates today of his decision to retire with immediate effect.
“This decision has taken me a long time to come to,” Stevens told St Kilda's official club website.
“Football has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I do recognise how lucky I have been to play professionally for the past nine years.
“However, after lengthy consultations with my family and on the advice of doctors, I’ve made the extremely hard decision that I cannot risk my health and future for the game.
“I’m so grateful for the support of the entire St Kilda Football Club, particularly the medical and player development staff who have been extremely supportive of me over the past few months.
“To my teammates and coaches, both here at the Saints and at my previous clubs, thank you for allowing me to live my dream. I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done.
“Lastly, to my friends and family I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Coach Alan Richardson said the club has pledged to support Stevens following his decision to hang up the boots.
“Koby quickly earned the respect of his teammates after crossing from the Bulldogs and became a much loved member of our group,” he said.
“He is a high quality person who is enormously respected by everyone at the Saints.”
“When we were at our best last season he was a huge a driver of our midfield group, with his attack on the ball and the opposition.
“Ultimately Koby has had to make a decision for his future and we support him 100 per cent and wish him all the best for the future.
“He’ll always be part of the Saints family.”
Stevens played 91 games for West Coast, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda after making his AFL debut in 2010.
Listen to Sam McClure's report of the Koby Stevens retirement in the player below