Numbers don’t add up with new AFL concussion protocols, say SANFL clubs

The AFL’s new concussion protocols have been questioned by SANFL clubs as Crows, Port are given a leg-up in the local league.

SANFL clubs have expressed concern over the AFL’s game-changing new concussion policy, questioning its fairness in the local league.

While SA’s state league clubs fully understand the need to protect the head and players’ futures, they have questioned the disparity between the AFL’s new 21-day concussion protocol rule for players from the eight stand-alone clubs and 12-day protocol for AFL-listed players from Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

This could prove finals-shaping and premiership-deciding.

The AFL on Wednesday announced its updated 21-day concussion protocol guidelines for all levels of football below AFL and AFLW.

The national league will remain at a minimum of 12 days due to “increased medical practices at that level’’.

Some SANFL clubs have suggested that their league should consider investing in more medical care so that its competition can have the same 12-day concussion protocols as the AFL.

Glenelg’s Carl Nicholson is attended to by teammate Michael Virgin after being concussed in a game against South Adelaide in 2020. Picture: Sarah Reed

“First and foremost we need to get the point across that the health and welfare of our players is the No. 1 priority,’’ North Adelaide chief executive Craig Burton said.

“So our club doesn’t have an issue with the 21 days if that is going to make players’ lives better after they finish playing footy.

“But the rule with players playing in ‘Tier 2’ competitions like the SANFL, I think we need more discussion on that because it doesn’t seem fair that if a Port Adelaide or Adelaide player gets concussed and they are considered healthy they can come back and play in two weeks and yet a North player gets concussed in the same game and has to wait another week.

“I believe if they are playing in the same competition they should have the same period (sidelined), so we want some clarification in fairness in that particular area.’’

Central District chief executive Greg Edwards backed Burton’s call.

“Our initial thoughts are that we have to protect the player - that is the ultimate goal,’’ Edwards said.

“But if an AFL-listed player is concussed in a SANFL game then he probably should be on the same 21-day protocols as SANFL-listed players unless he is called up to play AFL after the 12 days.

“In that case he should be able to be on the AFL protocols.’’

Port Adelaide’s Josh Sinn is tackled by West Adelaide’s Owen Mulady (left) at Alberton Oval last season. Picture: David Mariuz/SANFL

South Adelaide chief executive Neill Sharpe said the new concussion rules “created a bit of an anomaly’’.

“Clearly there is a differential, which creates an element of unfairness,’’ Sharpe said.

Norwood chief executive James Fantasia said the SANFL’s “ideal place to get to’’ would be to match the AFL’s 12-day protocols through increased medical expertise.

“We commend and support the initiative and we will always follow the medical direction – player safety must come first – but I would love to think that we could get to a level to match the right medical checklists and clearances for us to have a 12-day concussion protocol plan in our league rather than the 21 days,’’ he said.

Most SANFL clubs were meeting on Thursday to discuss the new protocols.

They will then raise any issues with the league before the SA Football Commission meets to decide whether it will rubberstamp the AFL’s new concussion policy for its competition, with a decision expected as early as Friday.