MIDFIELDER Angus Brayshaw says he’s grown as a person after overcoming serious concussion issues.
Brayshaw, who will make his much-anticipated comeback for Melbourne against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, said “it was a bit up and down for a while”, having endured a couple of concussions within a close timeframe.
“Touch wood, nothing like that happens again, but with a head as big as mine, you expect that to happen,” he told melbournefc.com.au with good humour.
“Having two in a short space of time was quite concerning, but the club was terrific in the way they handled me.
“They gave me a lot of time off to get myself right. When I came back, there was nothing too serious, except some nerves, which was to be expected.”
Brayshaw said he worked closely with club psychologist Dave Williams during his time on the sidelines.
“I worked on some techniques with him,” he said.
“It’s a contact game and I wouldn’t be playing if I wasn’t confident.
“He gave me a few techniques to calm myself down, if I’m a little bit nervous and just to focus on playing footy.
“I’ve found that when I’ve been playing [in the VFL], I don’t even think about it at all. It’s only if I’ve had a bump that I might think about it, but otherwise it’s been all good.”
Brayshaw said he was now determined to make an impact for the rest of the season.
“It was incredibly frustrating sitting on the sidelines and not being able to do anything for a large chunk of the season,” he said.
“I believe I’m a good enough player and the coaches have the faith in me, but it has been an incredibly frustrating period.
“I’ve been working closely with the coaches and a few other people – just to maintain that positive focus and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”