Clubs Express ‘Frustration’ Over AFL’s Preseason Memo on Concussions – Report

A memo regarding concussions from the AFL, concerning head injuries sustained during pre-season training, has led to “confusion and frustration” among the clubs.

The Age has reported that the AFL has established a “concussion ladder” ranking all 18 teams based on the number of head injuries encountered during their pre-season training.

The memo indicated that match simulations were linked to the highest incidence of concussions and included ‘individualised reports’ detailing each club’s rate of head injuries during pre-season.

Clubs are expressing frustration over this initiative due to the ambiguous nature of how to effectively safeguard their players, as well as the absence of “conclusive evidence connecting a specific volume of contact training with a decrease in concussions.”

Per the report, data from one club showed an increase in contact drills being undertaken, yet resulted in fewer overall concussions.

Port Adelaide chairman David Koch is reportedly among those most vocal in expressing dissatisfaction.

This situation arises amid ongoing discussions around limiting contact training sessions in both the AFL and AFLW; however, clubs have not faced any restrictions this pre-season.

“Player health and safety, along with the minimisation of concussion and head impact injuries, are central to decision-making at the AFL, and we are actively collaborating with clubs to gain insights into the levels of contact training performed throughout the year,” stated a league spokesperson.

“Efforts in gathering this information are currently underway.”

A number of concussions have already been reported in the pre-season, with Richmond’s Tom Lynch, West Coast’s Harley Reid, and Melbourne’s Matthew Jefferson all sidelined due to head injuries.

Nathan Murphy, Angus Brayshaw, and younger players Aidan O’Driscoll and Josh Carmichael have all had to medically retire from the game as a result of head knocks.