AFL Legend Brendan Fevola Opens Up About Devastating Shingles Health Scare
In an exclusive interview, AFL icon and radio host Brendan Fevola has broken his silence for the first time about a painful health scare that brought his football career to a sudden halt. Fevola revealed he was struck by shingles at the peak of his professional playing days, describing the virus as delivering a level of agony he simply could not endure.
Excruciating Pain That Surpassed Football Injuries
Known for his toughness and fearless style on the field, Fevola admitted the shingles pain was among the worst he has ever experienced. "The pain, it was excruciating," he told 7NEWS. "I think I've had like 22 operations, and I've done knees and Achilles and shoulders and fingers, and this would have to be one of the worst pains I've felt." The condition sidelined him during pre-season, severely impacting his ability to train and perform as a professional athlete.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the body for decades before reactivating. When it does, it travels along nerves to the skin, often triggering severe nerve pain before a blistering rash appears.
Family Experience and Health Warnings
Last year, Fevola's father Angelo also battled shingles while managing rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that can weaken the immune system. Angelo described his initial symptoms as a small scab on his back, which he initially ignored. "A couple of days later, the scab just got greater and greater," he said. After a pharmacist advised him to see a GP, he was diagnosed with shingles, experiencing debilitating pain that left him bedridden.
Health experts emphasize that early treatment is crucial. Professor Tony Cunningham, a leading Australian doctor in the field, explained that once the rash appears, there is only a short window for medication to be effective. "When you see the rash, you should go to your doctor immediately because you've got about three days for antiviral agents like Valtrex and Famvir to work," he said. "They will actually shut off the rash and the pain within 24-48 hours."
Long-Term Impacts and Vaccination Importance
Professor Cunningham warned that long-term complications can be severe, particularly for people over 50 and those with chronic illnesses. One serious issue is ongoing nerve pain that can last months or even years after the rash clears. "The complications of shingles are severe and in 12 per cent of people over the age of 50 they will get prolonged pain ... over a long period of time," he noted, adding that this can lead to depression, hospitalisation, or entry into aged care.
He highlighted that vaccination, which is free for people over 65 in Australia, offers strong protection. "I think it's really important that we get the coverage of the population in Australia with shingles vaccine Shingrix up from 40 per cent to 95 per cent in the future," Professor Cunningham urged.
Advocacy and Awareness Efforts
The Fevolas are now serving as ambassadors for Shingles Action Week 2026, sharing their personal stories to encourage Australians to understand the risks and seek medical advice early. For Brendan, watching his father suffer reinforced the importance of speaking out. "Watching loved ones go through some horrific pain that can be prevented — it's not good," the two-time Coleman medallist said.
Angelo reflected on the overwhelming nature of his experience, stating, "It nearly brings you down to tears." Shingles affects hundreds of thousands of Australians, with the risk increasing significantly with age. Health authorities are urging people over 50 and those with underlying conditions to recognize early signs, such as tingling, burning, or stabbing pain on one side of the body, and to seek prompt medical attention if a rash develops.
