Former AFLW player Emma Grant sues Collingwood claiming she has suffered injury, loss and damage

A women’s footy star who retired due to concussion has accused Collingwood of breaching its duty of care by allowing her to train three weeks after she was injured.

Emma Grant is in a legal fight with Collingwood Football Club. Picture: Getty

Former AFLW star Emma Grant has launched civil action against Collingwood Football Club after she was forced into early retirement due to concussion.

Grant, who was vice-captain for the Pies, retired following the 2020 season – in which she did not play a game – after she suffered a nasty head injury during a pre-season practice match.

Collingwood at the time said Grant’s career had been called early while she made a “debilitating and prolonged recovery” from injury.

But in documents filed to the Victorian County Court on Wednesday, the 33-year-old claims the club was negligent and breached its duty of care by allowing her to resume training less than three weeks after she was injured.

“As a result of the negligence and/or breach of duty, the plaintiff has suffered injury, loss and damage,” court documents state.

Grant was Collingwood’s vice-captain. Picture: AFL Photos

Grant had a ‘debilitating and prolonged recovery’ from injury. Picture: AAP

The legal action comes just days after the Herald Sun revealed an Australian-first landmark class action by ex-footballers suffering the effects of concussion injuries was being prepared against the AFL.

Grant is represented by the same specialist law firm, Margalit Injury Lawyers, who this week announced the Supreme Court action, saying: “It is time for the AFL to be held accountable.”

Managing principal Michel Margalit said she believed ex-players suffering from the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other related injuries could be awarded more than $2m compensation.

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

It comes as Collingwood great Nathan Buckley said the AFL should not be held solely responsible for head knocks suffered in the contact sport.

Six weeks after the January 2020 concussion, Grant reported she was still suffering from headaches and dizziness.

“My sleep is totally disturbed,” she said at the time.

“When I am tired I forget what I am saying mid-sentence and can become confused very easily.”

Hailing from Bendigo, Grant, whose football career spanned nine years, began as a forward but later played in midfield and defence during her 20 games over three seasons with Collingwood.

The utility was part of the side’s leadership team when she was made vice-captain during the 2018-19 seasons.

Collingwood football club said their “primary concern is of the health and welfare of its players and staff”.

“The matter has not been previously raised with the Club but the fact that it is now before the courts means it is not appropriate to make any comment,” a statement from the club read.