Former AFL players have spoken out about the long-term impact of concussions, alleging that the league and its players' association have failed to provide adequate support. Many say they suffer severe memory loss and other cognitive issues, with some unable to recall their greatest achievements.
One player, who wished to remain anonymous, described receiving “next to none” help from the AFL or the AFL Players Association. He said compensation for career-ending injuries was “unbelievably subpar”, especially for brain injuries that can prevent work for years. “You’d think it would just be a logical adult conversation,” he added.
Another former player raised concerns about Dr. Paul McCrory, the neurologist who recently resigned as chair of the global Concussion in Sport Group amid plagiarism allegations. McCrory is now under independent review by the AFL, and Australia’s medical regulator is investigating whether he complied with an enforceable undertaking not to perform certain neurodiagnostic procedures.
Families of affected players also described facing “deflection” from the AFL when seeking funding for care. One player said he spent months chasing brain scan results from league-commissioned studies. “It’s clearly a serious issue that’s been going on for a long time,” he told Guardian Australia.
The AFL has not commented on the specific allegations. The league’s concussion protocols have faced mounting criticism, with calls for better long-term support for retired players suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other brain injuries.
