It’s been a tough year to date for North VFL co-captain Michael Close, who after three serious concussions this season, has put a temporary holt on his playing ambitions.

Despite the severity of his most recent incident, in which he suffered significant bleeding on his brain, Close is remaining positive.

“It hasn’t been the ideal start to the year, but I’m going alright,” Close told North Media.

“I’m getting better and better each day, I’ve just been back home on the farm for the past couple of weeks since the incident.

“I haven’t been able to do too much back there, I’ve just been taking it easy, but it has been good to be in the company of family.”

The 23-year-old suffered the concussion early in North VFL’s Round 10 clash with Geelong, and failed to return to the field, but his condition took a serious turn post-match.

“I got the hit then I did a concussion test and I wasn’t right so I was going to play no further part in the game,” Close said.

“I ended up being on holidays from university so I planned on going home, and my parents were at the game so they drove me home.

“On the Saturday night at around 11.00pm I started vomiting and it got worse from there.

“I didn’t sleep much that night, I was vomiting Sunday morning and went to hospital after discussions with the club doctor.

“I had a scan and they found a small bleed in the meninges, which is just on the outside of the brain.”

With a line now ruled through the remainder of the 2018 season, Close is hopeful of remaining an integral part of the North VFL structure.

“It’s a shame not being able to be out there with the boys, you always want to lead from the front when you’re playing, but I suppose I’ll just have to take on a different role in terms of boosting morale on the sidelines,” he said.

“I’ll likely work with the bench or the coaches box, but I’ll still being floating around and have a big impact without being on the field.”

As for a return to football, the journey is a lengthy one, with plenty of hurdles to overcome before he and medical professionals are content with his health.

“At the six-week mark I’m suppose to be able to do some light exercise, with some light walking and jogging,” Close added.

“In January, if all goes to plan, I’ll be able to do some contact work and start full training again.

“I’ve got to go and get a couple of scans in a few weeks to see the specialists and get the all clear on my future, but we’ll have to wait and see.”