Nathan Buckley says AFL players know the health risks ‘both immediate and potentially down the track’

Collingwood great Nathan Buckley says footy players knowingly run the risk of head knocks and the AFL should not be held solely responsible.

Collingwood great Nathan Buckley has sided with the AFL in the wake of a landmark concussion class action, arguing that players knowingly run the risk of head injuries.

The Herald Sun this week revealed injury lawyers were bringing an Australian-first action in the Supreme Court, stating: “It is time for the AFL to be held accountable.”

But Brownlow Medallist and seven time All Australian Buckley told the Herald Sun the AFL should not be held solely responsible for head knocks suffered in the contact sport.

“I’m interested by this strict liability and where it sits – I think a lot of people try to slate it across to the league itself,’’ he said.

Nathan Buckley says the AFL should not be held solely responsible for head knocks. Picture: Ian Currie

“But I suggest that anyone who has ever played the game has played the game knowing the risks associated and assuming the risks associated to their health both immediate and potentially down the track.’’

Former players with brain related injuries such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) could be awarded more than $2m compensation plus medical expenses in the claim by Melbourne firm Margalit Injury Lawyers.

But Buckley, who played 280 AFL matches and ranks among the game’s greats, said the matter was complicated and even injuries suffered in a player’s junior career should be taken into consideration.

“I’m not sure that now just because we now know about CTE or long term concussion affects, I don’t know that the league is responsible and accountable for that,’’ he said.

“I still think that if you want to play a game it’s your choice.

Buckley played 280 AFL games. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“You do get well paid for it but you’ve been playing it since you were a kid so when does the AFL become responsible for your choice to play the game?

“When you’ve been doing it for possibly 10 years plus before you even enter that competition, I don’t know exactly how that is going to be determined.’’

The legal action has been compared to a case by more than 4500 former NFL players which saw the US league strike a US$1 billion compensation deal for retired stars with serious head injuries.

CTE, which has been linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head, slowly worsens and often leads to dementia.

The AFL, in a statement, said the health and safety of players at all levels of the game was its “key priority”.

“We take concussion and the protection of the brain health of all those playing our game extremely seriously,’’ it said.