After a considered evaluation and discussion, West Coast Eagles premiership forward Daniel Venables will sit out of football in 2020.

Venables has trained to a modified program during the pre-season, with variances in the levels of comfort he has felt after training sessions. At the forefront of the mind in this decision is Venables long-term health and wellbeing.

There remains some lingering symptoms following the very significant head knock he received in the round nine game against Melbourne last year.

He has not played since that game and after deep consideration has decided he will not play this season.

The club will continue to monitor and support Venables as he strives to return to football.

“We have recently consulted a specialist in Melbourne after a comprehensive rehabilitation period,” General Manager, Football – Craig Vozzo said today.

“Unfortunately, after much consideration and following the medical advice, we have decided that the best course is for Dan to have the season off and not play this year.

“It is a decision that has not been taken lightly. Dan has put a lot of energy into getting himself ready to play as quickly as possible. It’s been frustrating for him, more particularly, and obviously the club.

“He has thrown everything into the best rehab preparation in readiness for the season, but he’s still symptomatic at the moment. Given the type of injury this is - being the head injury - the best course of action following the specialist’s advice is to have time out of the game.”

Venables will be placed on the long-term injury list, subject to AFL approval, which means there will be two vacancies on the club's senior list.

The club will make a decision on whether it selects two players through the SSP or holds one position open for the mid-season draft.

That decision is likely to be made in the next fortnight.