Former AFL star Jeff White admits he’s still “staggered” he managed to play more than 250 games at the highest level without knowing he had a hole in his heart.

The former Melbourne and Fremantle ruckman discovered the shocking news after he had a stroke last August, aged just 40.

He spoke with Neil Mitchell on Thursday.

“I’m still staggered,” White said.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

He got emotional when he recalled the “day he wouldn’t forget” – August 24 – last year.

“It was such a scary feeling,” White said of his stroke.

“I’m just glad it wasn’t a big one.”

Former @melbournefc @JeffWhite34 has opened up about the health battle that could easily have ended his life. @cstanaway #9News pic.twitter.com/h3I3UXJO4P

— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) March 7, 2018