Ex-AFL players forced to retire due to severe injuries to share in $54m injury and support fund

AFL greats — past and present — will be among those eligible to share in a $54m hardship fund after a landmark deal was struck to support those forced from the game.

Former AFL players battling severe injuries as they exit the game can finally access $600,000 lump sums as part of a new $54 million injury and support fund.

In a deal brokered between the AFL and player union only days before AFLPA boss Paul Marsh leaves the AFL industry, hundreds of players battling severe injuries will now be catered for.

As part of a comprehensive new support package, players will still be able to access up to $500,000 for career-ending injuries as they exit football.

But the new severe injury benefit is the centrepiece of a package worth nearly $8 million per season between 2023-2027 to help players with “significant and cognitive function” issues.

It means the AFL finally has a way of helping the players forced from the game with concussion and spinal issues that have destroyed their quality of life.

Many of those players have been waiting more than three years for the resolution of this scheme, which will help them access more expensive treatment and financial security as they attempt to move on with their lives.

Paul Seedsman retired due to concussion. Picture: Michael Klein

Former Bulldog Liam Picken is treated after being knocked out.

Adelaide’s Paul Seedsman, West Coast and Collingwood’s Chad Rintoul, West Coast’s Daniel Venables and Patrick Bines and Western Bulldog Liam Picken are some of those players expected to apply.

So too will former Melbourne player Ted Fidge, former Bulldog Nigel Kellett and West Coast’s Brad Sheppard.

Hawthorn’s John Platten, Essendon and Geelong’s John Barnes and Geelong’s Max Rooke, the lead plaintiff in an AFL concussion lawsuit, are also likely to apply.

Patrick Bines suffered a debilitating injury. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Former Eagle Brad Sheppard.

Those players will have to prove their earning capacity is impacted up to 40 per cent, with the millions on offer available via a formal process from July 1 onwards.

Players will receive varying sums and are not guaranteed the full sum, which will be governed by an independent third party supplier.

Those players can still apply for future support from the AFL and will not be prevented from launching legal action against the AFL.

The AFL acknowledges that not every player will be happy with the $600,000 cap but is adamant it has limited the payout to ensure the fund does not run dry by 2027.

The former hardship fund which was handed to players in financial need has been renamed the Geoff Pryor Fund after the inaugural AFLPA president and has helped 175 players with discretionary payments since 2017.

Hawthorn legend John Platten. Picture: Michael Klein

The support program is open to any AFL or AFLPA player who has taken the field in a senior AFL game.

And for the first time players who did not play an AFLW game are eligible for the full range of services from 2017 onwards for men and 2013 onwards for women.

Those dates take into account when the playing cohort started contributing financially to the AFLPA range of services.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was thrilled to be able to help the past players, with the money taken from the players’ share of revenue in the latest pay deal.

“If I can summarise the work that has gone into it, it’s more support and more funds for more players,” Dillon said.

“It is really important for the current playing group and the industry to acknowledge the contribution of our past players.

“The game is in the position that it is now because of the dedication and the talent and the sacrifice and the efforts of our past players, and we don’t forget that, and that’s why it’s so important.”