A-League’s concussion policy under fire after players cleared for play despite heavy head clash

Questions are being asked of the A-League’s concussion policy after a “baffling” decision allowed two players involved in a serious head clash to keep playing.

Questions are being asked of the A-League’s Women’s concussion protocols after a “baffling” decision allowed City’s Taylor Otto to continue playing after a serious headclash that left her with a huge bump on her head.

The bump appeared within seconds of the clash involving City’s Otto and Karly Roestbakken in their 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

Both players were jumping up to defend the ball after a throw-in – their heads smacked into each other in the air – both players fell to the ground clutching their heads.

Cameras picked up the growing bump on Otto’s head before the defender even knew it was there.

Ouch! 🤕

Otto is sporting quite the eggo!#MCYvWSW is LIVE on Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/uVJ8LcXk7x

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) November 30, 2024

She reached up to touch it after spotting it on the stadium television.

Roestbakken, who was slow to rise after the incident, has been recalled to the Matildas and is due to join the camp when they arrive in Melbourne next week.

Doctors assessed both players on the sideline and cleared both to return to the field within minutes.

Melbourne City's Taylor Otto with a huge bump on her head after a serious head clash with her team mate in the Round 5 A-League's Women's game. Photo: 10/Paramount+

Otto sporting some tape over the bump on her head.

Former Matildas player turned Paramount+ commentator Grace Gill labelled the decision as “baffling”.

“I think there is genuine cause for concern for both players, it was a really heavy clash,” Gill said.

“The reason Otto has a bump like that is because there has been a severe headclash … it’s a baffling one for me.”

Unlike other sporting codes the A-League’s concussion protocols don’t require players who could have a suspected concussion to leave the field of play for an assessment.

Instead they are given a quick check on the sideline by the team doctor.

In the NRL players are taken from the field and put through a 15 minute head assessment by an independent doctor.

Melbourne City’s Taylor Otto and Wanderers’ Talia Younis compete for the ball. Picture: Getty Images

AFL have a similar system.

Both allow for a free substitution to be made while the assessment takes place.

A-League’s teams are allowed to make one concussion substitute a match. But it is a permanent move – not one that is made while an assessment is being completed.

The PFA have previously called for temporary concussion substitutes to be introduced to allow for proper assessments to take place.

Concussion can have serious affects – take Matildas player Teagan Micah. Her concussion left her sidelined for six months and ruled her out of being the starting keeper for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Both players remained on the field for the remainder of the game.

As expected City dominated the clash – keeping Wanderers so wrapped up they didn’t even get a shot on goal or a touch in their goal box in the first half.

Mariana Speckmaier celebrates with her Melbourne City teammates after scoring a goal. Picture: Getty Images

City were depleted, missing Lourdes Bosch with an injury and Leah Davidson to the Matildas squad, but it didn’t seem to cause any concern.

The score was 1-0 at the break – but could have easily been 4-0.

.@MelbourneCity double their lead in 𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞! 😮‍💨🎯

Alexia Apostolakis scores her second goal of the season direct from a free-kick, with the help of a deflection.

📺 Watch #MCYvWSW live NOW on Paramount+ and 10 Bold /10 Play pic.twitter.com/lQgJ3UzFsb

— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) November 30, 2024

They had 15 shots in the opening half, the goal scorer Mariana Speckmaier hit the post, the crossbar and missed a sitter before she finally landed one in the net.

Wanderers’ Holly Caspers receives treatment for an injury. Picture: Getty Images

The loss means the Wanderers are the only side in the league yet to win a game – surely setting off some alarm bells at the club.

They have scored just two goals – both coming in the opening round.

Wanderers were forced to finish the game with 10 players after Holly Caspers was taken off the field injured. It is devastating news for Caspers – the match was her first back after a lengthy stint on the sideline injured.

Originally published as A-League’s concussion policy under fire after players cleared for play despite heavy head clash