Collingwood's James Aish says he has been troubled by successive head injuries and has consulted players who are suffering the long-term impacts of concussion.
Aish says he endured three head-related injuries last season and fears the impacts they could have on him after football.
But Aish stated he was fully fit and raring to embark on the 2018 season, as he takes part in his first uninterrupted pre-season since his debut year in 2014.
"I've definitely thought about it a bit. In the end I think I had maybe three [head injuries last season]," Aish told ESPN.
"It does sort of get you thinking, especially all the talk which is out there these days, but I've got no issues now and I feel really good. It's certainly not an issue day-to-day or anything like that. I'm fine.
"If anything I just need to be smarter and work on some technique stuff and try and keep my head out the way."
The 22-year-old has reached out to Brisbane Lion ruckman Justin Clark and delisted Magpie Ben Sinclair, who both publicly revealed their battles with the lingering effects of successive head injuries.
"They're much more extreme cases. It's pretty scary when we hear the side effects like memory loss, but like I said, I'm not really worried at the moment," Aish said.
"It's obviously not ideal, but it hasn't affected me. I'm just exciting about playing and improving.
"[The preseason] has been a pretty positive start for me. It's really only my first proper preseason since I was drafted. I'm really excited and I've been in a pretty good mindset."
Aish, a highly-regarded midfielder, said the injury-prone Daniel Wells was impressing in the first week of pre-season, with the silky mover hoping to overcome soft tissue concerns that have derailed previous campaigns.
Aish applauded the resolve of maligned recruit Chris Mayne, who has "committed himself" to training, despite his underwhelming first year in black and white.
"It was a pretty tough year for him last year. He handled it all very well. You have to give him credit for that. He was in an incredibly challenging situation," Aish said.
"I think in the off-season he did a lot of technique running training and has come back in impressive condition. He's very happy and positive. It certainly takes time to adjust to a new team."