Former West Coast Eagles star Brad Sheppard has swapped the bustle of city life to live on "Broome time", reflecting on his career-ending injuries and sharing his new role in sales and community sport.
Sheppard first debuted for the Eagles in 2010 and went on to play 12 years in the blue and gold.
After multiple concussions posed serious health risks, Sheppard made the difficult decision in 2021 to step away from football at the age of 30.
After his partner started her job as a doctor in the town an opportunity arose for Sheppard at a local car dealership.
The All-Australian defender's latest occupation could not be more different than his last, starting a finance and sales position this month.
"Life's about timing and … even though I was still contracted, and thought I was going to be playing footy this year, life takes you on different journeys," he said.
The adventure of the region and its fishing, camping, and outdoor lifestyle had always appealed to Sheppard.
"I thought it was a good opportunity to come up here and spend a bit of time in Broome and enjoy the Broome lifestyle," he said.
Sheppard said he enjoyed the lack of distractions in Broome and looked forward to his first dry season in the far north.
"You've got your work, and your other time post-work is looking at opportunities to get out on the boat and have wholesome experiences. So that's something I'm really going to tap into," he said.
Consequence of collision
A concussion during the second derby of the 2021 season against Fremantle ultimately ended Sheppard's AFL career after he experienced continuous after-effects.
"That shook me for six months," he said.
"The first two months I couldn't even get my heart rate up over 100 without having head spins, and my concentration levels just weren't there, my ability to focus on anything. I was just constantly tired."
Despite symptoms like fatigue and mood swings lingering long after he hung up his boots, Sheppard said he remained optimistic he would return to his old self.
"There's definitely a few symptoms that I'm wary about and have to deal with," he said.
"Hopefully time heals, and I've been doing a lot of rehab and brain training to sort of help me fast track that."
Change in the air
Concussion protocols are now under the microscope across Australia, with some former AFL players seeking compensation for their injuries and a senate inquiry launched into head trauma in contact sport.
In his 12 years of football, Sheppard said he had witnessed changes made to protocols where players went from not taking any time off to 12 days away after a collision.
"I think the optimal level I'd like to see for players is 28 days, about a month off footy," he said.
"It's hard to say that to a player because you're there for performance, it's a performance industry."
For future players entering the AFL system, Sheppard said education would be key to ensure their longevity.
"It's something that you have got to really look after, and I think the more knowledge and research individuals in the industry have on concussion I think it's going to benefit players," he said.
A new purpose
After retirement, Sheppard's passion for the game remains strong and he said he looked forward to getting involved with the Kimberley Spirit Football Academy and local teams in Broome.
"If any individuals want to know about the game, or positioning in games, or whatever it is, I can help out. That's what I would love to do throughout the year," he said.
Sheppard said being separated from football for over a year helped him realise his impact as a player and a role model for kids.
"The influence AFL has on community is something that has been eye-opening," he said.
"Now it's about giving back to the game, giving back to kids, as it has given me so much.
"Hopefully up in the Kimberley I can help inspire the next kid to come through and play for West Coast. That'd be ideal."
