Paddy McCartin is eyeing a return to football in 2021 following a positive update surrounding his concussion symptoms.
McCartin was delisted by St Kilda after the two parties mutually agreed it would be best for him to sit out the 2020 season to focus on his health and wellbeing.
The former No.1 draft pick, who has suffered eight concussions since 2014, received some welcome news from his Neurologist last Friday.
“His (Owen White’s) opinion was that I’ve got some pathways and neuro pathways in my brain which have changed, and he compared it to people who have had car accidents … and that can be corrected but it takes a lot of time,” McCartin told SEN Breakfast.
“His opinion was that eight to ten months was the timeframe.
“There were a lot of times where I was like: ‘Stuff this, I can’t go through this again. If I go through this again, I’ll be in strife because it’s been so difficult’.
“But I think when I went in there on Friday and they gave me the confidence that they think it can correct itself, but it’s just going to take a lot of time, which is fine.
"Hopefully I’m getting back and starting pre-season this time next year, best case scenario.”
By taking considerable time away from the game, McCartin hopes these measures can prolong his career.
“I’d have missed two years of footy, which is a lot, but I might be able to get a couple of extra years at the end. I’m just trying to look at it positively,” said.
“I’ll work out what this rehabilitation at the Epworth looks like and then hopefully I can tie some of that stuff into being at the club (St Kilda).
“All going to plan, I can get myself right and can potentially get back on a list next year.”
By being able to continue his rehabilitation at St Kilda, McCartin feels it’s a win-win for all concerned.
“I wasn’t necessarily cutting ties with the Saints; it was what was sensible in the end,” McCartin said.
“It works out for the club too, they get a bit of relief in the salary cap. It works out for them and in the end, it’s worked out for me too.
“Everyone’s a winner, I guess.”
McCartin was restricted to 35 games for St Kilda due to a series of head knocks.
Listen to Paddy McCartin’s chat on SEN Breakfast in the player below