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6 months ago
27
A leading AFL brain injury campaigner has urged the league to prevent players who have sustained three concussions from entering into long-term contracts.
This proposal comes in light of Western Bulldogs superstar Tom Liberatore's recent concussion, marking at least his fifth head injury and leaving his AFL career at a crossroads as he takes indefinite leave following the bloody incident.
In 2017, Liberatore was quickly back on the field after a concussion, a practice that was common until the AFL mandated a minimum 12-day recovery period in 2021. Despite the new rule, Liberatore has faced four concussions in his last 22 games.
There's also concern over Tim English, another player with a significant concussion history, who is being considered for a lengthy seven-season contract by the Bulldogs.
English's recent injuries and symptoms have raised questions about his long-term health.
Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs is on indefinite leave after a long series of concussions
Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy was re-signed by the club but had to retire because of repeated head knocks
Melbourne Demons star Angus Brayshaw was another player that had to retire prematurely
The AFL is set to introduce definitive guidelines on salary cap exemptions for medically retired players, following concerns highlighted by the case of Melbourne Demons star Angus Brayshaw was medically retired from the game at just 28.
Peter Jess represents a group of 135 former VFL and AFL players diagnosed with long-term neurological problems and has called for clubs to be banned from signing players long-term if they had three or more concussions in their career.
'If you are silly enough to sign someone up with three concussions you should wear the consequences,' Jess told News Corp.
To address the risks associated with long-term contracts for players with concussion histories, any contract extending six years or more now requires approval from club presidents and CEOs.
Despite his own history of concussions, including four in a year, Melbourne's Brayshaw secured a deal through to 2028.
Similarly, Collingwood renewed Nathan Murphy’s contract before he was medically retired earlier this season and Liberatore received a one-year extension, despite past concussions.
Concussions have become an issue in the AFLW as well with Ailish Considine of the Crows pictured injured after a head knock
Former St Kilda star Paddy McCartin spent years out of the game after concussions left him with severe conditions that left him unable to cope with supermarket lights
Peter Jess highlighted the danger of players experiencing three concussions, suggesting that Liberatore, with repeated concussions at 31, should consider retirement to avoid further injury.
'There is no reason why there should be an allowance in the salary cap for mismanagement and that's what it is,' Jess said.
'The people who make these financial decisions are delinquent. It's totally irresponsible financially and medically when these players have already passed the safe zone.
'No one with multiple concussions should be on a long-term contract in a day and age where everyone knows the consequences.
'If you have had three (concussions) you shouldn't be able to sign a long-term contract and the AFL shouldn't make excuses for allowing a club to ignore the risks.
'We know for a fact if you have had a number of concussions you are twice as likely to receive another one. After the second, the likelihood of a third doubles.
'It means your timing can be off, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Inevitably you will get another concussion and if you keep letting them play they will become totally and permanently disabled. How is that sensible?'
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