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Bacchus Marsh captain Scott Sherlock says a longstanding chronic back injury has left him no choice but to end his playing career.
Sherlock ultimately faces surgery to help repair damage to his vertebrae, which was first diagnosed when he was 15 years of age.
The 28-year-old said up to this season he had been able to manage the condition, but it had flaired up after he received a knock “five or six weeks ago” – resulting in back spasms, and increasing pain and discomfort on a daily basis.
Sherlock said he had tried to manage his ground time, but it had reached the point that as well as not being able to play a full game, he was in “agony” the next day with his mobility severely restricted.
The two-time Ballarat Football League representative said he was retiring on medical advice.
8.30AM
Bacchus Marsh skipper Scott Sherlock has been forced into retirement by a back injury.
Sherlock announced his decision to teammates on Thursday night, saying the call was effective immediately.
The classy midfielder missed Bacchus Marsh’s loss to Darley on Saturday owing to the back issue.
He was initially looking to rest for a few weeks before returning for the run to the Ballarat Football League finals.
Sherlock joined Bacchus Marsh, where he lives, as an assistant coach last season after a decorated VFL career with Werribee.
He took on the captaincy this year and will continue as midfield coach.
Cobras coach Travis Hodgson said it was disappointing for Sherlock, who would need back surgery, to be forced out of his playing career before he had hoped and obviously a big setback for the club.
“He’s on-field impact has been enormous in such a short time.
“There’s now an opportunity for other mids to step up in his absence and take their game to another level,” he said.
Sherlock played 15 games with Bacchus Marsh last year, including the grand final, and had added another 10 this season.
He also represented the BFL in the AFL Victoria Community Championships in each of the two seasons.
Sherlock was runner-up in the BFL best and fairest, the Henderson Medal, last year.