Adelaide Footy League boss John Kernahan backs calls for concussion ‘passport’ to track players’ head knocks after Antonio Loiacono death

The boss of SA’s biggest amateur footy league is supporting calls to record the history of players’ concussions and head knocks after the death of a young footballer.

The head of South Australia’s biggest amateur football league has thrown his support behind a register that would help track players’ history of concussion and serious head injury after a young footballer died after an on-field collision.

Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan said a “concussion passport” would ensure clubs were aware of at-risk players.

“The suggestion of a concussion passport has a high level of merit,” Mr Kernahan said.

“The Adelaide Footy League is as progressive in participating in the research and education as any organisation with respect to concussion.

“We are under no illusions as to the inherent risk to an individual’s health as a priority and, secondary, how a lack of care may have adverse effects on participation – one of our core pillars.”

It comes days after Birdwood Football Club player Antonio Loiacono died following an on-field collision during the club’s season-opening match at Gumeracha.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono, pictured with brother Jack, died after an on-field collision at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: Supplied

Jack Loiacono told The Advertiser his brother had suffered several concussions before he died following an on-field collision at Gumeracha Oval. Picture: Supplied

Mr Loiacono was knocked unconscious when he was tackled during the final quarter of the match and went into cardiac arrest, before later being declared brain dead.

Mr Loiacono’s younger brother, Jack Loiacono, raised concerns following his sibling’s death about previous concussions he had suffered playing football, calling for better management of players with a history of head knocks.

“There must have been an underlying issue,” Jack, 19, said.

The concussion passport concept was first suggested by veteran player agent Peter Jess, who has been advocating for its implementation for more than a decade.

“The brain is not an organ that can be conditioned against trauma,” Mr Jess said.

“You’ve got to have a meaningful way to track every time that you’ve presented in a collision-based situation where you’ve had either a clinical concussion or the affects of a subclinical concussion.”

Mr Jess said once a player had suffered three clinical concussions, they were placed at greater risk of a negative outcome.

Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan has thrown his support behind a concussion register that would track players’ history of head knocks. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

He said after that, the amount of football being played should be closely monitored, and in many cases, reduced.

Jack Loiacono told The Advertiser his brother had suffered at least three concussions – two of which were “really bad”.

Mr Kernahan said he would support the concept of a register that tracked players’ injuries beyond concussion.

“We appreciate concussion is at the forefront of concerns and for the most unfortunate of circumstances, but if we’re going to introduce a passport to play, broaden the scope on all things health that ultimately relies on the participant offering a level of information that could range from knees injuries, mental health or drug and alcohol dependence as examples,” he said.

Tributes for Antonio Loiacono at the Gumeracha Oval on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette

Tributes for Birdwood football player Antonio Loiacono left inside the centre square on Gumeracha Oval. Picture: Emma Brasier

Australian Medical Association SA branch president Michelle Atchison also backed the passport concept.

“It is a great idea in the context where recurrent concussions are linked to long-term brain damage,” Dr Atchison said.

“Sports codes need to be mindful of the dangers of concussion and the long-term consequences.

“Anything that keeps track of concussions you have had would be taken into account when decisions are made by club officials on how fast you can get back to play,” she said.

Dr Atchison, a psychiatrist, said an accumulation of concussions could cause long-term damage but this may not always be immediately apparent.

Adelaide Hills footballers wore black armbands to mark Anzac Day and for Antonio Loiacono on Tuesday. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

Tributes including flowers, a cross and a Birdwood Roosters guernsey were placed at the Gumeracha Oval in the days after Antonio’s death.

Players in the Hills Football League also wore black armbands on Tuesday in tribute to Mr Loiacono.

An SANFL spokeswoman said the sporting body would continue to work with the AFL on the issue of concussion management for community football.

“This is a complex issue and is an ongoing focus for the AFL and SANFL,” she said.