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Concussed Eagle Venables gets AFL lifeline

3 minute read

West Coast forward Daniel Venables hasn't played since suffering a sickening concussion in round nine of 2019, but the Eagles hope his career isn't over.

Premiership forward Daniel Venables has been handed an AFL lifeline after being redrafted to West Coast as a rookie.

Venables hasn't played since suffering a horrific concussion that was likened to a car crash in round nine of the 2019 season.

The 22-year-old made several unsuccessful attempts to build up to full training loads over the following 18 months before being delisted two weeks ago.

But he has now been given another chance to resurrect his career after the Eagles took him with pick No.27 in Thursday's rookie draft.

It's understood Venables has made significant progress in his concussion recovery in recent months, but the Eagles will still need to take a careful approach with him.

Venables, who was first snared with pick No.12 in the 2016 national draft, was playing just his 15th game when he featured in West Coast's 2018 flag.

But his career was put on hold the following year when he copped a sickening blow to the head while backing into a marking contest against Melbourne's Tim Smith.

Venables' head crashed into Smith's hip before making heavy contact with the Optus Stadium turf.

The Victorian is expected to return to Perth next month to start a modified training program.

Fellow forward Willie Rioli still faces an uncertain future while he awaits his fate with Sport Integrity Australia (formerly ASADA).

Rioli is facing a four-year ban after allegedly tampering with his urine sample.

He has been provisionally suspended since September 2019, and any ban will be backdated from then.

His hearing is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

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