Angus Brayshaw
{{short description|Australian rules footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Angus Brayshaw
| image = Angus Brayshaw 2019.9.jpg
| caption = Brayshaw with Melbourne in July 2019
| fullname = Angus Brayshaw
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|01|09|df=y}}
| birth_place = Western Australia
| death_date =
| death_place =
| originalteam = Sandringham Dragons (TAC Cup) /Haileybury (APS)
| draftpick = No. 3, 2014 national draft
| debutdate = Round 1, 2015
| debutteam = {{AFL Mel}}
| debutopponent = {{AFL GC}}
| debutstadium = MCG
| height = 188 cm
| weight = 92 kg
| position = Midfielder / defender
| guernsey = 10
| years1 = 2015–2023
| club1 = {{AFL Mel}}
| games_goals1 = 167 (49)
| statsend = 2023
| careerhighlights = *AFL premiership player: 2021
- 22under22 team: 2018
- 2015 AFL Rising Star nominee
}}
Angus Brayshaw (born 9 January 1996) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A midfielder, {{convert|1.88|m|ftin}} tall and weighing {{convert|92|kg}}, Brayshaw was a capable contributor as both an inside and outside midfielder. He has strong family connections in Australian sport, with his father, Mark Brayshaw, a former {{AFL NM}} player and the current AFL Coaches' Association Chief Executive Officer; his uncle James Brayshaw a former state cricketer, former North Melbourne chairman, and a sports media personality; and his paternal grandfather, Ian Brayshaw, a former state cricketer and footballer with the Claremont Football Club. His younger brother, Andrew, plays for {{AFL Fre}} and his other younger brother, Hamish, used to play for {{AFL|WC}} but now plays for {{WAFL|EP}} in the West Australian Football League (WAFL).
Brayshaw played top-level football early when he played in the TAC Cup for the Sandringham Dragons as a bottom-aged player, in addition to representing Victoria at under-16 level, and continued to represent the state which culminated in selection for Vic Metro in the 2014 AFL Under 18 Championships. His achievements at junior level included the most valuable player award at state level, the best-on-ground academy player, and selection in the All-Australian team and TAC Cup team of the year. He was recruited by Melbourne with the third overall selection in the 2014 AFL draft and he made his debut during the 2015 season, resulting in a fifth-place finish in the AFL Rising Star award.
After a nearly decade-long career spanning 167 games, a third-place finish in the 2018 Brownlow Medal, as well as a premiership win in 2021, Brayshaw was forced into early retirement in February 2024 due to the ongoing effects of concussion.{{cite web|url=https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1493605/thank-you-gus-brayshaw-medically-retires|author=|date=22 February 2024|title=Thank you Gus: Brayshaw medically retires|location=Melbourne FC|access-date=22 February 2024}}
Early life
Brayshaw was born to Mark and Debra Brayshaw in Western Australia.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/draft-profile-angus-brayshaw-and-the-hectic-start-to-a-sporting-life-20141112-11kjz8.html|title=Draft Profile: Angus Brayshaw and the hectic start to a sporting life|last=Murnane|first=Matt|date=12 November 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=15 June 2015}} He was born into a sporting family with his paternal grandfather, Ian, representing Western Australia in cricket and is a premiership player with Western Australian Football League club Claremont.{{cite news|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/25149734/brayshaw-roots-remain-in-west/|title=Brayshaw roots remain in west|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|date=1 December 2014|work=The West Australian|publisher=Seven West Media|access-date=29 September 2015}} His uncle James played first-class cricket for Western Australia and South Australia, and his father played 32 matches for the North Melbourne Football Club.
Brayshaw attended Haileybury College and played his junior football with the Hampton Rovers Football Club.{{cite news|url=http://www.hamptonrovers.com.au/news/news.php?newsid=2016|title=From Hampton Rovers to the Draft|date=31 July 2014|work=HamptonRovers.com.au|publisher=CV Media|access-date=29 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930124832/http://www.hamptonrovers.com.au/news/news.php?newsid=2016|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=dead}} He was recognised as an elite talent at a young age when he received a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport through the AIS-AFL Academy as part of their level one squad in the 2012 intake.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=3020-3020-0-0-0&sID=69677&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=21408378|title=AIS-AFL Academy Kicks Off|date=29 November 2011|work=TACcup.com.au|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|access-date=27 July 2015}} In the same year, he was selected to play with Vic Metro in the under-16 championships and was awarded the most valuable player for Vic Metro.{{cite web|url=http://www.hamptonrovers.com.au/news/news.php?newsid=1539|title=Angus Brayshaw MVP for Vic Metro|date=18 July 2012|work=HamptonRovers.com.au|publisher=CV Media|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024929/http://www.hamptonrovers.com.au/news/news.php?newsid=1539|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}
He played five matches as a bottom-aged player in the TAC Cup for the Sandringham Dragons in 2013{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=196075987&client=1-3020-111708-253881-18717758&ocompID=253881|title=Player Profile–Angus Brayshaw|year=2013|work=TACcup.com.au|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|access-date=20 September 2016}} and after being ineligible for the 2013 AFL draft by missing the age cut-off date by nine days,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/angus-brayshaw-happy-to-wait-for-draft-opportunity-20140414-zqusm.html|title=Angus Brayshaw happy to wait for draft opportunity|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=15 April 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=27 July 2015}} Brayshaw spent 2014 competing in junior competitions and studying a double degree in commerce and engineering at Monash University.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-10-13/brayshaws-speedy-issue|title=Top-end draft pick Brayshaw's speedy issue|last=Malcolm|first=Alex|date=13 October 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=29 September 2015}} He was selected as part of the level two squad in the 2013 intake for the AIS-AFL Academy{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-07/tall-story-for-future|title=AIS-AFL Academy squad named and full of talls|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=7 August 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=27 July 2015}} and travelled to Europe for two weeks in April 2014 with a 31-man squad.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-11/angus-brayshaws-ais-academy-tour-diary|title=Angus Brayshaw's AIS-AFL Academy tour diary: part one|last=Brayshaw|first=Angus|date=11 April 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=29 September 2015}} At the start of the tour, Brayshaw was awarded the MCC Chairman's Medal as the best academy player after competing in a match against {{AFL Col}}'s Victorian Football League (VFL) side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-04/brayshaw-lamb-shine-as-pies-too-strong-for-ais|title=Brayshaw, Lamb shine as Pies down AIS|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=4 April 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=29 September 2015}}
{{Quote box
| quote = He has very few flaws in his game. He’s about as complete a player as there is in the draft.
| source = Ryan O'Connor, Sandringham talent manager.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/bayside/sandringham-dragons-chief-ryan-oconnor-says-exciting-times-are-ahead-for-brayden-maynard/story-fngnvmn9-1227130430753|title=Sandringham Dragons chief Ryan O'Connor says exciting times are ahead for Brayden Maynard|date=21 November 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=29 September 2015}}
| width = 30%
| align = left
}}
Playing for the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup in 2014, Brayshaw was regarded as one of the top draft prospects for the 2014 AFL draft{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-clubs-lining-up-for-draft-prospects-angus-brayshaw-and-tom-lamb/story-fni5f22o-1226919151984|title=AFL clubs lining up for draft prospects Angus Brayshaw and Tom Lamb|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=16 May 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=29 September 2015}} and was appointed captain of Sandringham.{{cite web|url=http://www.sandringhamdragons.com.au/www/content/default.aspx?cid=1099&fid=956|title=Angus Brayshaw - Sandringham Dragons Captain 2014|last=Shanahan|first=Brittany|work=SandringhamDragons.com.au|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930085720/http://www.sandringhamdragons.com.au/www/content/default.aspx?cid=1099&fid=956|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=dead}} He earned mid-year state honours through selection for Vic Metro in the Under 18 Championships and was rewarded with All-Australian selection as a half-back flanker.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-04/under18-all-australian-team|title=Metro dominates 2014 Under-18 All Australian team|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=4 July 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=27 July 2015}} In addition, his efforts in the TAC Cup saw him secure a spot in the team of the year as a ruck-rover.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=0-3020-0-0-0&sID=159892&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=33013491|title=2014 TAC Cup Team of the Year|work=TACCup.com.au|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|access-date=30 August 2015}}
Brayshaw was highly rated among recruiters in his final junior year and was likened to {{AFL Gee}} captain, Joel Selwood, for his "fearless attack on the ball",{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-close-to-re-signing-tough-midfielder-angus-brayshaw/story-fni5f91a-1227255504839|title=Melbourne close to re-signing tough midfielder Angus Brayshaw|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=12 March 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=29 September 2015}} he was also rated as a potential number one draft pick by AFL national talent manager, Kevin Sheehan.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/four-players-worth-no1-pick-in-afl-draft-says-kevin-sheehan-20140930-10o67i.html|title=Four players worth No.1 pick in AFL draft, says Kevin Sheehan|last=Mannix|first=Liam|date=30 September 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=29 September 2015}} He was appraised as the player who would have the biggest impact in their first season due to his body size and natural leadership.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-10-28/30-days-to-the-draft-meet-angus-brayshaw|title=30 days to the draft: Meet Angus Brayshaw|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=28 October 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=15 June 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-pick-me-angus-brayshaw-set-to-be-part-of-dream-draft-package-for-melbourne/story-fnau1fjg-1227134698075?from=herald+sun_rss|title=AFL Draft Pick Me: Angus Brayshaw set to be part of dream draft package for Melbourne|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=25 November 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=29 September 2015}}
AFL career
Brayshaw was linked to the Melbourne Football Club in the weeks leading to the draft{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-firming-to-select-midfielder-angus-brayshaw-in-next-months-national-draft/story-fni5f91a-1227102178013|title=Melbourne firming to select midfielder Angus Brayshaw in next month's national draft|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=25 October 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=15 June 2015}} and was ultimately recruited by the club with their second selection and third overall in the 2014 national draft.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-11-27/draft-pick-3|title=Brayshaw becomes a Demon|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=27 November 2014|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=15 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714161739/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-11-27/draft-pick-3 |archive-date=14 July 2015 |df=dmy }} He was predicted to make a Round 1 debut after strong performances with Melbourne's affiliate team, the Casey Scorpions, in Victorian Football League (VFL) practice matches{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/bernie-vince-and-angus-brayshaw-prepare-for-round-1-in-casey-vfl-practice-match/story-fni5f91a-1227282566268|title=Bernie Vince and Angus Brayshaw prepare for Round 1 in Casey VFL practice match|last=Matthews|first=Ben|date=28 March 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=1 October 2015}} despite not featuring for Melbourne in the NAB Challenge.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-28/brayshaws-round-one-push|title=Demon draftee Angus Brayshaw looms as round one chance after starring in VFL|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=28 March 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=1 October 2015}} He debuted in the 26-point win against {{AFL GC}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Round 1{{Cite news|title=Analysis: new faces for round one|first=Matt|last=Burgan|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-04-03/analysis-new-faces-for-round-one|date=3 April 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=BigPond|access-date=11 April 2015}} and laid a match-high nine tackles before being substituted off in the fourth quarter.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-04-04/demons-v-suns-match-report|title=Opening round Dee-light as Melbourne stuns Gold Coast|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=4 April 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=1 October 2015}} After a string of consistent performances, he was awarded the Round 10 nomination for the Rising Star for his efforts in the annual Queen's Birthday Clash against {{AFL Col}},{{cite news|url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/grand-angus-makes-it-back-to-back-for-demons/|title=Grand Angus makes it back-to-back for demons|date=9 June 2015|work=aflplayers.com.au|publisher=AFL Players Association|access-date=1 October 2015}} in which he recorded eighteen disposals, six tackles, seven inside-50s, four goal assists, and a goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-08/prime-angus-proves-a-cut-above-for-demons|title=Prime Angus proves a cut above for Demons|last=Di Giorgio|first=Giulio|date=8 June 2015|publisher=Bigpond|work=AFL.com.au|access-date=8 June 2015}} His performance was praised by former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon, and he predicted that Brayshaw would be a "200-gamer and leader of the Demons."{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/angus-brayshaw-gives-melbourne-back-to-back-rising-star-nominations/story-fni5f91a-1227388660899|title=Angus Brayshaw gives Melbourne back-to-back Rising Star nominations|last=Lansberger|first=Sam|date=8 June 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=1 October 2015}}
Brayshaw missed only one match during his debut season due to being rested against {{AFL Fre}} at Domain Stadium in Round 22.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-08-27/brayshaw-harmes-to-rest|title=Brayshaw, Harmes to rest|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=27 August 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=1 October 2015}} His season was acclaimed within the AFL industry, particularly his mid-season form, where his tenacity and desperation around the ball was highlighted with comparisons to Joel Selwood, in addition to former {{AFL BL}} captain, Jonathan Brown, commending his toughness.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/round-12-afl-wrap-joel-selwoods-form-patrick-cripps-stars-port-adelaide-sinks-in-footy-shorts/story-e6frf3e3-1227408636060|title=Round 12 AFL wrap: Joel Selwood's form, Patrick Cripps stars, Port Adelaide sinks in Footy Shorts|date=21 June 2015|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=1 October 2015}} He was noted as an equal favourite for the Rising Star, alongside {{AFL Car}} midfielder Patrick Cripps, by Herald Sun chief football writer, Mark Robinson, after his performance against {{AFL Gee}} in Round 12.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/patrick-cripps-and-angus-brayshaw-the-demons-and-bulldogs-and-the-sling-tackle-among-robbos-round-12-likes-and-dislikes/story-fnp04d70-1227409057792|title=Patrick Cripps and Angus Brayshaw, the Demons and Bulldogs and the sling tackle among Robbo's Round 12 likes and dislikes|last=Robinson|first=Mark|date=22 June 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=1 October 2015}} He ultimately finished fifth in the award after a drop in form in the second half of the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-09-09/hogan-wins-the-2015-nab-afl-rising-star-award|title=Hogan romps in: Big Demon wins 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star award|last=King|first=Travis|date=9 September 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=1 October 2015}} He was recognised among his peers by finishing second in the AFL Players Association best first year player award, behind {{AFL Syd}} midfielder, Isaac Heeney;{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dominant-nat-fyfe-claims-aflpa-most-valuable-player-award-20150915-gjn3lv.html|title=Dominant Nat Fyfe claims AFLPA most valuable player award|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=15 September 2015|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=1 October 2015}} furthermore, he finished eleventh in Melbourne's best and fairest count.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-09-11/vince-ends-jones-streak-for-maiden-demons-crown|title=Vince ends Jones' streak as No.1 Demon|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=11 September 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=1 October 2015}}
Brayshaw was highly rated by the AFL players heading into the 2016 season, whereby he was named the second-best player in the league recruited from the 2014 and 2015 drafts.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-07/smells-like-teen-spirit|title=Teen spirit: The players name footy's five most promising young guns|last=King|first=Travis|date=7 March 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} In the opening match of the 2016 NAB Challenge against {{AFL PA}}, he injured his knee five seconds into the match after a tackle from Port Adelaide midfielder Hamish Hartlett,{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/angus-brayshaw-injures-knee-in-port-adelaide-v-melbourne-afl-nab-challenge-2016-clash/news-story/54679e8d160b306dc347c5ff6237599d|title=Angus Brayshaw injures knee in Port Adelaide v Melbourne AFL NAB Challenge 2016 clash|last=Waterworth|first=Ben|date=27 February 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=20 September 2016}} and the injury forced him to miss the remainder of the pre-season competition.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-03-02/club-confirms-lowgrade-strain|title=Club confirms low-grade strain|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=2 March 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} In a bid to play in the Round 1 match against {{AFL GWS}},{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-16/brayshaw-set-for-vfl-hitout-in-bid-to-prove-fitness-for-round-one|title=Brayshaw set for VFL hit-out in bid to prove fitness for round one|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=16 March 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} he played for Casey in a VFL practice match, where he recorded 17 disposals and a goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-19/brayshaw-shakes-off-knee-injury-to-star-for-casey|title=Brayshaw shakes off knee injury to star for Casey|last=King|first=Travis|date=19 March 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} He ultimately missed the Round 1 win against Greater Western Sydney and played his first AFL match for the season in Round 2 in the 13-point loss against {{AFL Ess}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he recorded nine disposals.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-04-01/-brayshaw-back-on-track-and-raring-to-go|title=Brayshaw back on track and raring to go|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=1 April 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} He was omitted the next week for the match against {{AFL NM}} at Blundstone Arena due to looking "tired".{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-teams-all-the-lineups-for-round-3/news-story/e2d65155b1e0ce7b9958fb8b6b698ed0|title=AFL teams: All the line-ups for Round 3|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=8 April 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=20 September 2016}}
Brayshaw returned the next week{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-15/round-four-teams-named|title=TEAMS: Dockers load up on talls, Garlett misses out again|last=King|first=Travis|date=15 April 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} and played in the Round 4 and 5 wins against Collingwood and {{AFL Ric}}, in which he garnered fifteen and nine disposals, respectively, before being dropped again for the Round 6 match against {{AFL StK}} at Etihad Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-04-29/roos-backs-brayshaw-to-return-strongly|title=Roos backs Brayshaw to return strongly|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=29 April 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} The same weekend in the VFL match against {{VFL Ess}}, he sustained a concussion after a football kicked by teammate, Alex Neal-Bullen, hit him in the back of the head.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-04/concussion-claims-dees-duo|title=Concussion claims Dees duo ahead of Gold Coast clash|last=Malcolm|first=Alex|date=4 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} Two weeks later, he suffered a second concussion when he had a head clash in the VFL match against {{VFL San}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-2016-angus-brayshaw-sidelined-indefinitely-because-of-concussion-20160517-gowzs5.html|title=AFL 2016: Angus Brayshaw sidelined indefinitely because of concussion|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=18 May 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=20 September 2016}} and he was placed on the sidelines for an "extended period of time".{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/angus-brayshaw-ruled-out-indefinitely-after-latest-head-knock-jack-trengove-close-to-return/news-story/c73ffd7ad8b742a93d7477af9dcefb92|title=Angus Brayshaw ruled out indefinitely after latest head knock, Jack Trengove close to return|last1=Veruccio|first1=Chris|last2=Wood|first2=Lauren|date=17 May 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=20 September 2016}} He played his first match in four weeks when he played for Casey against {{VFL NBR}}, where he accumulated twenty-nine disposals and kicked two goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-18/demon-finds-form-on-road-back-from-concussions|title=Demon finds form on road back from concussions|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=18 June 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}} He returned to the senior side in the thirty-six point loss against {{AFL StK}} at Etihad Stadium in Round 17{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/st-kilda-saints-v-melbourne-demons-young-demon-angus-brayshaw-back-after-long-injury-spell-20160715-gq6wi1.html|title=St Kilda v Melbourne: Young Demon Angus Brayshaw back after long injury spell|date=15 July 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=20 September 2016}} in which he recorded twenty-three disposals and seven clearances.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-midfielder-angus-brayshaw-sheds-four-kilograms-for-afl-return/news-story/661ecd77c52a35d78c556079306a4191|title=Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw sheds four kilograms for AFL return|last=Clar|first=Jay|date=18 July 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=20 September 2016}} He played the remainder of the season and finished with ten matches in total for the season, which saw him fall to twenty-third in Melbourne's best and fairest count.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-09-06/viney-edges-jones-to-win-first-bluey|title=Viney edges Jones to win first 'Bluey'|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=6 September 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 September 2016}}
File:Angus Brayshaw 18.02.17.jpg
Brayshaw had a reduced workload in the 2017 pre-season after injuring his calf in January{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-02-13/it-was-difficult-mentally-demon-angus-brayshaw-opens-up-on-concussion-battle|title='It was difficult mentally': Demon opens up on concussion battle|last=Ramsey|first=Michael|date=13 February 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} and played the first two matches of the AFL season before he was omitted from the senior side for the Round 3 match against Geelong at Etihad Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-06/all-the-round-three-teams|title=TEAMS: Riewoldt returns, two new Lions and Dockers dump six|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=6 April 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} AFL Media reporter, Ben Guthrie, noted the calf injury was a key reason for his slow start to the season and he was yet to live up to his potential due to persistent injuries throughout his early career.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-19/slow-starter-whos-costing-your-club-right-now|title=Slow starter: Who's costing your club right now?|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=19 April 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} Former Melbourne coach, Paul Roos, noted that although the public hadn't seen Brayshaw's best yet, he was Melbourne's most exciting prospect for 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/angus-brayshaw-an-unknown-yet-exciting-talent-for-melbourne-says-paul-roos/news-story/d4d64a1ddbac46b6385ebeb5e5aa400c|title=Angus Brayshaw an unknown yet 'exciting' talent for Melbourne, says Paul Roos|last=Morris|first=Tom|date=2 March 2017|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}} In late April playing in the VFL, he received his third concussion in twelve months after receiving a bump from North Ballarat player, Hayden Walters.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-24/walters-hit-with-onematch-vfl-ban-for-brayshaw-hit|title=Walters hit with one-match VFL ban for Brayshaw hit|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=24 April 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} There were suggestions by the media that the multiple concussions in a short period of time would prematurely end his AFL career, however, these claims were quickly dismissed by Melbourne with head of football, Josh Mahoney, saying it was only a minor concussion.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-believe-angus-brayshaws-career-not-under-threat-despite-another-concussion/news-story/916ae01dca1d24bf09e80364c90fef43|title=Melbourne believe Angus Brayshaw's career not under threat despite another concussion|date=23 April 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}}
Brayshaw missed three weeks of football and in his return match in the VFL against the {{VFL NBl}}, he was concussed again when he was bumped by Carlton listed player, Jed Lamb.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/angus-brayshaw-taken-from-ground-after-heavy-bump-in-casey-demons-vfl-clash-20170514-gw4il2.html|title=Angus Brayshaw taken from ground after heavy bump in Casey Demon's VFL clash|date=14 May 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=22 November 2017}} With the club saying they would "map out a plan" to ensure he could play consistent football without the risk of concussion,{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/simon-goodwin-says-melbourne-is-mapping-out-a-plan-to-deal-with-angus-brayshaws-head-knocks/news-story/44a77bd273db8c858e23ff3b75a15bd4|title=Simon Goodwin says Melbourne is 'mapping out a plan' to deal with Angus Brayshaw's head knocks|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=17 May 2017|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}} reports emerged that the club had granted him indefinite leave to recover from his fourth concussion in twelve months.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbournes-angus-brayshaw-takes-indefinite-leave-to-recover-from-fourth-concussion-in-12-months/news-story/427e08fb7eef2a0cf37080bf9996844a|title=Melbourne's Angus Brayshaw takes indefinite leave to recover from fourth concussion in 12 months|date=23 May 2017|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}} He was training two days after the reports emerged, with senior coach, Simon Goodwin, stating the reports of indefinite leave were inaccurate but Brayshaw would not return to playing for a while.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-midfielder-angus-brayshaw-back-on-training-track-after-latest-concussion-20170525-gwcqg1.html|title=Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw back on training track after latest concussion|last=Connonly|first=Rohan|date=25 May 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=22 November 2017}} He missed nine weeks of football before returning in the VFL Round 14 match against {{VFL Ess}},{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-18/demon-angus-brayshaw-to-return-in-vfl-after-concussions|title=Demon Angus Brayshaw to return after concussions|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=18 July 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} wearing a helmet after receiving advice from former St Kilda player Nathan Burke, who received multiple bumps during his career.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/st-kilda-champ-nathan-burke-advises-angus-brayshaw-to-wear-a-helmet/news-story/4afeeaf1dbd5081980f4d8db3adcbcf4|title=St Kilda champ Nathan Burke advises Angus Brayshaw to wear a helmet|last=Ralph|first=Jon|date=4 July 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}} He returned to the AFL for the twenty-four point win against St Kilda in Round 21 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground; in the first quarter, he received a heavy bump from Koby Stevens; however, he was uninjured from the collision.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-13/its-great-to-be-back-says-relieved-demon-angus-brayshaw|title='It's great to be back', says relieved Brayshaw|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=13 August 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} Former player and a commentator during the match, Jason Dunstall, noted all the commentators were worried straight after the bump, but Brayshaw recovered and "used the ball well and made good decisions. [Dunstall] thought it was a fantastic fight back from when we had our heart in our mouths"{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-round-21-melbourne-v-st-kilda/news-story/1a18f62d51933d121352f6d19be0e11a|title=What we learned: Angus Brayshaw's return from concussions starts with head knock, ends in triumph|last=Morris|first=Tom|date=13 August 2017|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}} and he was named in Melbourne's best players by AFL Media,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-13/match-report-melbourne-v-st-kilda|title=Match report: Finally, Dees make their move|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=13 August 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=22 November 2017}} the Herald Sun{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/melbourne-withstand-st-kilda-secondhalf-comeback-to-move-back-into-top-eight/news-story/58a0e65b925fbdfb09656d81cabb3718|title=Melbourne withstand St Kilda second-half comeback to move back into top eight|last=Ralph|first=Jon|date=13 August 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=22 November 2017}} and The Age.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-match-report/melbourne-v-st-kilda-demons-withstand-scare-to-all-but-eliminate-saints-20170813-gxv41u.html|title=Melbourne v St Kilda: Demons withstand scare to all but eliminate Saints|date=13 August 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=22 November 2017}} He played the remainder of the season and finished with five AFL matches.
Brayshaw's performances during the 2018 AFL season showed the competition what he is capable of, averaging a career-high 26.1 disposals and kicking 14 goals for the season, with the Demons having vastly improved season, eventually making the preliminary final. Brayshaw's 2018 season was highlighted with a 37-disposal, 3-goal game against the Adelaide Crows in Round 10 as well as a career-high of 39 disposals and a goal the next week. His season was capped off with a 3rd-place finish in the 2018 Brownlow medal, polling 21 votes.
In 2021, Brayshaw played in Melbourne's premiership winning team, as Melbourne broke a 57 year premiership drought with a 74 point victory over the Western Bulldogs in the 2021 AFL Grand Final at Perth Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-grand-final-2021-melbourne-demons-vs-western-bulldogs-live-updates-score-start-time-video-stream-blog/news-story/bc1bb66f7efccb9d3eac5aa333669230|title=A GRAND NEW FLAG: Demons end 57 years of AFL agony with 17 minutes of magic|date=26 September 2021|work=Fox Sports Australia|access-date=22 February 2024}}
In the 2023 Qualifying Final, Brayshaw was concussed after being struck in the head{{cite web | url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/collingwood-magpies/afl-tribunal-news-2023-brayden-maynard-cleared-full-reasoning-behind-not-guilty-verdict-revealed-jeff-gleeson/news-story/769da7a37ca089ae1f6287605abfc24f# | title='The charge is dismissed': Tribunal's full reasoning behind bombshell Maynard verdict revealed | date=12 September 2023 }} in an attempted smother by Collingwood player Brayden Maynard.{{cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/collingwood-magpies/brayden-maynard-collingwood-magpies-defender-heading-to-tribunal-over-bump-on-angus-brayshaw-c-11838567|title=Brayden Maynard: Collingwood Magpies defender heading to tribunal over bump on Angus Brayshaw|date=8 September 2023|work=The West Australian|access-date=22 February 2024}} Brayshaw was substituted off immediately and was unable to play in the Demons' semi-final the following week;{{cite web | url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/brayshaw-not-going-great-after-maynard-collision-20230910-p5e3i8.html | title=Brayshaw 'not going great' after Maynard collision | date=10 September 2023 }} while Maynard was referred to the AFL Tribunal and ultimately cleared, causing controversy.{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/desperate-for-collingwood-to-win-brayshaw-blasts-afl-over-maynard-furore/news-story/6ec57889fe5c65d874589b8ce6b6fa63|title='Desperate for Collingwood to win': Brayshaw blasts AFL over Maynard furore|date=12 September 2023|work=news.com.au|access-date=22 February 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-finals-melbourne-coach-simon-godwin-calls-for-consequences-of-brayden-maynard-bump/news-story/c6c5b1e571941b369404adc7698ca99b|title=AFL finals: Melbourne coach Simon Godwin calls for Brayden Maynard bump ban|date=8 September 2023|work=news.com.au|access-date=22 February 2024}} {{cite news|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/brayden-maynard-cleared-for-bump-on-angus-brayshaw-20230912-p5e41f.html|title=Pie's premiership dream alive: Maynard cleared for clash with Demons' Brayshaw
|date=12 September 2023|work=The Age|access-date=22 February 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/brayden-maynard-afl-premiership-triumph-backlash-angus-brayshaw-incident-092117468.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABwJlgHQdiQvOnkymejC_dUHvVWu-xOqh1cQFnQ2MyDVjP6w4gJX7oXISgFxFtd1ELaqKLKwAUgxPH9cZfHtlMfkUAKvgtSBvKfcjFLsqQCE7bg03m3y-6Uoxiw9gF8PY8flPLOGFpgyZhH-9_iIwSD3UGJbO5zY0ddvYVHoeIJX|title=Brayden Maynard's AFL premiership triumph after backlash over Angus Brayshaw incident|date=30 September 2023|work=Yahoo Australia|access-date=22 February 2024}} {{cite web | url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/brayshaw-not-going-great-after-maynard-collision-20230910-p5e3i8.html | title=Brayshaw 'not going great' after Maynard collision | date=10 September 2023 }} It was Brayshaw's last game: after training with the club through the subsequent preseason, he retired two weeks prior to the start of the 2024 season due to his ongoing concussion issues.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-22/melbourne-s-angus-brayshaw-retires-from-afl-concussion-issues/103497848|title=Melbourne's Angus Brayshaw retires from AFL on medical advice following concussion in finals collision with Brayden Maynard|date=22 February 2024|work=ABC News (Australia)}}
Statistics
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start with votes}}
|-
| 2015 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 21 || 5 || 3 || 170 || 97 || 267 || 54 || 99 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 8.1 || 4.6 || 12.7 || 2.6 || 4.7 || 0
|-
| 2016 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 10 || 7 || 2 || 83 || 93 || 176 || 30 || 42 || 0.7 || 0.2 || 8.3 || 9.3 || 17.6 || 3.0 || 4.2 || 0
|-
| 2017 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 5 || 2 || 1 || 53 || 42 || 95 || 28 || 12 || 0.4 || 0.2 || 10.6 || 8.4 || 19.0 || 5.6 || 2.4 || 0
|-
| 2018 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 22 || 14 || 10 || 322 || 252 || 574 || 108 || 99 || 0.6 || 0.5 || 14.6 || 11.5 || 26.1 || 4.9 || 4.5 || 21
|-
| 2019 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 22 || 9 || 7 || 278 || 209 || 487 || 87 || 96 || 0.4 || 0.3 || 12.6 || 9.5 || 22.1 || 4.0 || 4.4 || 0
|-
| 2020{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.}} || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 14 || 5 || 6 || 116 || 117 || 233 || 40 || 41 || 0.4 || 0.4 || 8.3 || 8.4 || 16.6 || 2.9 || 2.9 || 1
|-
| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2021# || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 25 || 3 || 7 || 274 || 186 || 460 || 105 || 61 || 0.1 || 0.3 || 11.0 || 7.4 || 18.4 || 4.2 || 2.4 || 0
|-
| 2022 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 24 || 2 || 1 || 401 || 211 || 612 || 170 || 54 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 16.7 || 8.8 || 25.5 || 7.1 || 2.3 || 7
|-
| 2023 || {{AFL Mel}} || 10
| 24 || 2 || 5 || 279 || 269 || 548 || 93 || 79 || 0.1 || 0.2 || 11.6 || 11.2 || 22.8 || 3.9 || 3.3 || 4
|- class=sortbottom
! colspan=3 | Career
! 167 !! 49 !! 42 !! 1976 !! 1477 !! 3453 !! 715 !! 583 !! 0.3 !! 0.3 !! 11.8 !! 8.8 !! 20.7 !! 4.3 !! 3.5 !! 33
|}
Notes
{{notelist}}
Honours and achievements
Team
- AFL premiership player ({{AFL Mel}}): 2021
- McClelland Trophy ({{AFL Mel}}): 2021
Individual
- 22under22 team: 2018
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2015 (Round 10)
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Melbplayer| link = angus-brayshaw}}
- {{AFL Tables|ref=A/Angus_Brayshaw.html}}
- {{Twitter|id=angusbrayshaw_}}
- [http://demonwiki.org/tiki-index.php?page=Angus+Brayshaw Angus Brayshaw's profile] from Demonwiki
{{2021 Melbourne premiership players}}
{{2015 AFL Rising Star nominees}}
{{2014 AFL national draft}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brayshaw, Angus}}
Category:Melbourne Football Club players
Category:Sandringham Dragons players
Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)
Category:People educated at Haileybury (Melbourne)
Category:Melbourne Football Club premiership players
Category:VFL/AFL premiership players