AFL and Victorian government launch Australian-first study into impact of concussions on female athletes

The AFL has joined forces with the Victorian government to launch an Australian-first study into how concussions impact AFLW players.

The AFL has teamed up with the state government to embark on a first of its kind Australian study examining the impacts of concussion and how it may impact men and women differently.

The new research project, to be announced this week, will examine the impact that head knocks have on AFLW players.

It will also explore factors associated with honest reporting and disclosing concussion symptoms post-injury to determine how this might differ between sex and gender, ultimately informing education for female players and coaches into the future.

A new research project will examine the impact that head knocks have on AFLW players. Picture: Dylan Burns

Beginning now, a mix of elite and community players will take part in the project.

While there is growing awareness and a concerted focus on concussion management and the potential long-term consequences of head knocks, much of the research has only focused on the experience of football and sporting participants in general, without considering gender-based discrepancies despite more women getting involved in footy.

Women’s footy pioneer Susan Alberti, who has donated millions to medical research, said answers were “urgent”.

“The more medical research into the cause and effect of concussion cannot come soon enough. We have a duty of care to our AFL/AFLW players,” she said.

“We need more details from AFL and government as to their confusing rationale. I believe the AFL has already invested a lot of money into studying the cause and effect of concussion. How much is now being invested and over what period of time and when are we likely to see the results?”

Former AFLW player Lydia Pingel retired early after seven significant concussions. She believes she has CTE, and will be donating her brain to study once she passes away. Picture: Liam Kidston

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, who is leading an inquiry into women’s pain, said the research will be “vital” to improving prevention, treatment and management of concussion.

“There’s growing awareness of the potential long-term consequences of concussion, but relatively little research has looked specifically at the experience of female athletes – we’re changing that,” she said.

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said concussion awareness was a major focus area for the league.

“Protecting past, present and future players from risks to health and safety presented by sport-related concussion and other head trauma is a key priority for the AFL,” he said.

“We have six people working full-time in this space, have made more than 30 changes to rules and tribunal and match review guidelines and continue to drive more research and evolve our rules and approach as we learn more.”

The project’s findings are expected to be handed down late next year.