Former Goodwood Saints, West Adelaide, Sturt player Blake Kennedy opens up on concussion

A former SA footballer has bravely opened up about how his life has been impacted by the ongoing effects of concussion and has called for clubs and leagues to step to the plate. See one of his knocks and read his story.

By the time he was an U14s player, former West Adelaide, Sturt and Goodwood Saints footballer Blake Kennedy had already suffered a handful of footy-related concussions.

The former SA footy prospect, who started his career on the Sunshine Coast, has been out of the game since 2018 due to a lacerated kidney, but that injury is now the least of the 27-year-old’s concerns as he continues to battle the long-lasting effects of over a dozen heavy blows to the head.

“The majority of my head knocks were during my junior years,” Kennedy said.

“Those years are all a bit of a blur now but I was receiving heavy knocks quite often and it became quite well known that I’d had a fair few concussions.

Former Sturt footballer Blake Kennedy in the RAH with mother Michele and sister Amy after damaging his kidney and lung playing against North Adelaide in 2018. Picture: Dean Martin

“I actually received a letter from the AFL while I was an U14s player on the Sunshine Coast demanding that I take six months off from playing.”

A skilled midfielder, Kennedy moved to Adelaide in 2014 and played for Goodwood Saints, West Adelaide and eventually Sturt as a senior in the SANFL.

It was during these years that Kennedy would suffer some of his biggest knocks.

“The period around the Goody Saints hit is one I really remember,” he said.

“I don’t remember the hit or coming off the field but I remember laying in the ambulance and repeating the same sentences.

“There’s footage of it and it makes me emotional when I watch it because that’s when I started to suffer a lot with symptoms like headaches and the inability to focus.”

Kennedy was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome and potential CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) – a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries – 12 months ago, and remains unemployed due to the symptoms he experiences.

Kennedy stumbling after trying to get up from a tackle while playing for Goodwood. The tackler did not receive a suspension.

Kennedy in the hands of trainers.

He now lives in Coffs Harbour with his mother Michele, who he said often acts as his full-time carer.

“My memory is shocking. I can say something or do something and then completely forget it all within an hour,” Kennedy said.

“I have anxiety and severe depression which I work through with medication and support from doctors and family, and I often feel detached.

“I don’t have a whole lot of friends anymore and I remain pretty isolated because I find it difficult to socialise and keep relationships.”

Kennedy said he also struggles with thoughts of suicide and self-harm.

He has been considered to be at heightened suicide risk by his clinical psychologist.

“My biggest issue is that I think about suicide.

“It’s my biggest challenge – I get triggered a lot by personal and financial stress and then obsess about self-harm.”

Kennedy admitted he would do whatever he could to stay on the field when he was playing footy, but warned other players against making the same mistake.

Blake Kennedy in action for Sturt. Kennedy has had little to do with football since giving the game away and experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms. Picture: Supplied

“To be completely honest my identity was tied to the game of football. I loved it and wanted to do anything I could to play at the highest level,” he said.

“All my clubs were really good with me when I was concussed but I never really thought about giving it away.

“It got to a point where I’d constantly practice and memorise concussion tests so I could pass the next time and continue playing.

“All I wanted was to play footy but now I wish I could go back and stop myself and I guess that’s a message to players now too, listen to your body and the doctors.

“I’ve moved interstate to be with mum and things have been improving a bit – she’s been great for me but maybe if I knew she would have to do everything for me down the line I would’ve stopped.”

Kennedy said he was still coming to terms with his potential CTE and what it meant, but urged clubs and leagues to continue to educate everyone involved.

“I really do think it’s a lot about education and awareness. Umpires, players, coaches and parents all need to know about the dangers associated with hits above the shoulder.

“It would be good if clubs had compulsory sessions around concussion and CTE with experts in the field each year just to ensure people are really aware of it.

“Even if umpires had a discussion with players before a game informing them to protect the parts of the body above the shoulders and that they will be penalised if actions are deemed reckless.

“I just want to see some more action taken – I can’t reverse time but I am passionate about creating a greater awareness of the impacts of concussion.”

Concussion management information and resources for all levels of Australian football are available at afl.com.au/concussion/.