John Platten says AFL awareness of concussion has never been better

BROWNLOW medallist John Platten says Justin Clarke’s shock retirement is proof the AFL industry has never taken concussion more seriously.

12/11/15 - Former Central Districts and Hawthorn football champion, John Platten at his Croydon business premises. Picture Dean Martin

BROWNLOW medallist John Platten says Justin Clarke’s shock retirement is proof the AFL industry has never taken concussion more seriously.

Platten last year revealed his post-career concussion struggles in the Herald Sun before scans cleared the Hawk champ of any long-term effects.

The four-time premiership rover has been one of a number of former players to reveal their own brain battles in recent years.

“I think the awareness is there, especially during the last few years. Through Greg Williams, myself, Matt Maguire and others who retired recently, it’s great we’ve been able to get it out there,” Platten said.

“I’m always emphasising that I’m not out here to whinge and carry-on, it’s just an awareness thing.

“It’s important to take note of what’s happening in football this day and age. If you get concussed you’ve got to go through the right channels, which I think all clubs and doctors and the AFL are doing. They do all types of tests for them now.

John Platten in action for Hawthorn.

“It’s a bit sad when a 22-year-old has given it away because of concussion, but that’s the game they’re playing. It’s a physical game and we ask so much of the players.”

St Kilda great Nathan Burke played most of his 323 games in a helmet and has admitted he played when he shouldn’t have after head knocks.

Burke said Clarke’s retirement, while sad for the Lions’ rising star, was almost a win in the battle to protect others.

“I see it 50-50 really. In one way it’s a victory because back in my day they would have said: ‘Couple of weeks off, come back’ and that was the way things were,” Burke said.

“But the fact we can make a judgment on this young fella and say, ‘Mate, you’re going to live for a long time after you’ve finished playing football and you want to have a good quality of life which is more important’. That’s a victory that we can do that.”

But Burke said there was still much work to be done on the issue and called on the league to cast its eye towards grassroots levels.

“Are we doing enough? I think we’re doing a lot ... but AFL guys get expert doctors and a scan the next day. It’s what we’re doing for the lower grades that worries me.

“AFL players have to do a SCAT test before they come back on. Have local clubs got the ability to do that? Have they got the expertise? That’s the sort of thing that prevents me from saying we’re doing all we possibly can.

“You’ve got some young kid whose whole identity is wrapped up in being the local champion. He’s potentially going to push through some things because without that what else has he got?

“Justin (Clarke) is a bad example to have, but in the end they are important.”

Originally published as John Platten says AFL awareness of concussion has never been better