Jono Willey is experiencing first hand the debilitating and frightening impact of concussion.
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It has been more than a month since the Rokewood-Corindhap footballer was knocked out and spent a night in hospital following an on-field incident in the Central Highlands Football League.
Since then, the 25-year-old has been a shadow of his usual vibrant self.
Willey has battled headaches and dizziness and experienced major difficulty sleeping as the effects of his concussion linger.
Working life has also suffered, with the symptoms forcing him to take time away from his position as a nurse.
"I couldn't co-orindate and just fatigued really quick. I got a couple of hours in and got sent home... that was sort of the turning point to (think) this is a lot more serious than I thought it initially was," Willey said.
"All up it's been nearly four weeks off work before I could go back..."
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Since his latest injury, which came on the back of a football-related concussion late last season, Willey has seen an acute brain injury clinic and many other medical specialists.
"There's a fair bit of involvement just trying to get me right to get back to life. Not even work and that sort of thing, just get back to daily life," he said.
While it's not the major concern, Willey admits his latest injury could spell an early end to his football career.
"I suppose there is all the potential for that," he said.
With so much talk about the impact of concussion in later life, Willey admits he has concerns for his welfare in years to come.
"It's always there in probably the back of the mind, especially in those last four weeks or so. Will I get back to normal? I think I will, but you just never know for sure," he said.
Willey has been a regular senior player for the Grasshoppers in recent years and had been relishing his move to defence before the round three injury against Carngham-Linton.
He continues to support the senior side, which sits seventh on the ladder ahead of this Saturday's clash with Springbank.
