Clubs Frustrated by AFL’s Concussion Memo Amid Potential Changes

Pendlebury’s hilarious pre-season secret | 02:09

A report has revealed the ‘confusion and frustration’ of clubs in response to a concussion memo sent by the AFL with regards to pre-season head injuries.

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According to a report by The Age journalist Sam McClure, the league — led by chief executive Andrew Dillon, legal guru Stephen Meade and lead medical expert Michael Makdisi — placed all 18 sides on a ‘concussion ladder’ based on head injuries suffered during pre-season activity.

The memo included ‘individualised reports’ outlining each club’s respective rate of pre-season concussions.

But clubs are lamenting a ‘lack of direction’ from the league, per McClure’s report, with Port Adelaide chairman David Koch said to be among the most vocal in his dissatisfaction.

And while clubs were reportedly told to continue monitoring the levels of contact at pre-season training, the lack of clarity on how to properly protect players, as well as the fact there was ‘no conclusive evidence linking a certain amount of contact training with a reduction in concussions’, have not been warmly received at clubland.

Per the report, one club’s data indicated that a larger amount of contact drills were being conducted, but for fewer overall concussions.

It comes as limiting contact training sessions both in the AFL and AFLW has been a consideration for the league in recent years, but there have been no restrictions for AFL clubs this pre-season.

“Player health and safety and the reduction of concussion and head impact injuries is at the forefront of decision making at the AFL and we are currently working closely with clubs to understand the levels of contact training being undertaken throughout the year,” a league spokesperson said.

“The gathering of this information is still ongoing.”

In late 2023, following an inquest into the death of former Richmond player Shane Tuck that included recommending limiting the number of contact training sessions players participate in before, during and after the regular season, the league said it was continuing to assess possible changes for the future.

“The AFL is constantly investigating further changes and initiatives that involve technology and equipment trials and exploration of concepts that are directed towards protecting the health and safety of our athletes,” the December 2023 statement reads.

“The AFL welcomes the input of the State Coroner in our ongoing process of the consideration of potential improvements in our strategic approach to the prevention and management of concussion and other head trauma in Australian Football.”

This pre-season, Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch headlines the list of concussion victims after he was left dazed by a recent clash during match simulation. He remains in the league’s protocols.

Budding West Coast star Harley Reid and young Melbourne tall Matthew Jefferson have also suffered concussions.

Premiership players Nathan Murphy and Angus Brayshaw, and youngsters Aidan O’Driscoll and Josh Carmichael were recently forced out of the game due to numerous bouts of concussion.

From next Saturday February 15, clubs will participate in match simulation hitouts before their official Community Series fixtures from February 25.

On March 6, Brisbane and Geelong will meet to open the season proper.