AFL boss Gillon McLachlan pays tribute to Varcoe family after ‘terrible tragedy’

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan’s concern is only with the family after Collingwood star Travis Varcoe’s sister died in Royal Adelaide Hospital on Thursday from injuries relating to an on-field football collision.

• Tributes flow as AFL star’s sister passes away

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is describing the death of Margaret Varcoe from a football collision as a “terrible tragedy”.

And the patriarch of the national women’s football competition (AFLW) adds it would be disrespectful to the Varcoe family to immediately reflect on the consequences to Australian football’s bid to recruit players from non-contact sports.

Travis Varcoe is comforted by teammates at Collingwood training this week. Picture: Nine News

Ms Varcoe, the sister of Collingwood AFL player Travis, died on Thursday from head injuries suffered in a collision with an Angle Vale teammate in the women’s division two grand final of the Adelaide Footy League on Sunday.

McLachlan told The Advertiser on Friday morning his immediate concerns were with the Varcoe family rather than the debate on the safety of women playing Australian football.

“It is a terrible tragedy,” McLachlan said of the death of 27-year-old Ms Varcoe.

“My thoughts are with the family at the moment.

“It has been described to me as a terrible accident.”

Margaret Varcoe, centre, with her brothers Adam and Travis. Picture: Adam Varcoe / Facebook

McLachlan did not want to enter any debate on how safe Australian football is for women.

“At this time,” McLachlan said, “my only thoughts are with the family.”

Earlier, on Melbourne radio, McLachlan said the AFL always carried as a serious responsibility the need to regulate Australian football so that it is safe for all “women and men, girls and boys.”

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Originally published as AFL boss Gillon McLachlan pays tribute to Varcoe family after ‘terrible tragedy’