‘It is tragic to see the impact of concussion on a life that was once so illustrious’, Gary Ablett Sr’s lawyer Michel Margalit says
AFL legend Gary Ablett Sr is taking legal action against his old clubs and the league over claims he is suffering from the “severe effects of a concussion-related injury”.
Police & Courts
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AFL legend Gary Ablett Sr has lodged proceedings in the Supreme Court claiming negligence against the AFL and Geelong and Hawthorn Football Clubs.
Ablett, 61, who played 242 games for Geelong between 1984-1996 and six at Hawthorn in 1982, underwent a brain scan last year which revealed “significant, structural and functional brain damage”.
“I began getting headaches and pressure in the top of my skull around 2010, initially a few days a week,” Ablett Sr previously told the Herald Sun.
“It then led to depression, anxiety and extreme fatigue. Under the advice of doctors, I then had numerous scans to try and find the cause of headaches and skull pressure,” he said.
Ablett is represented by Michel Margalit, managing principal of Margalit Injury Lawyers, who spoke on Monday of her client’s dire situation.
“Gary Ablett has suffered clear neurological injuries due to his time playing professional AFL. He was a revered footballer, who dedicated himself to the game. However the after-effects of a stellar playing career are now coming to roost, with Mr Ablett suffering from the severe effects of a concussion-related injury,” said Margalit.
“It is tragic to see the impact of concussion on a life that was once so illustrious. The reality of concussion-related injury is bleak, and Mr Ablett’s day to day reality is so far removed from the person and the player that he once was.
“Mr Ablett made the difficult decision to pursue litigation after having been denied further assistance from the AFL Players Association. His injuries prevent him from working, and footballers are excluded from receiving workers compensation. He feels that this is the only way to ensure he is able to access the medical care he requires.”
It comes as two class actions have been lodged against the AFL in recent months on behalf of football players suffering the long-term effects of concussions.
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