Brisbane handed huge fine by AFL for Harris Andrews concussion breach

Brisbane’s soft cap has taken a huge hit after the AFL finished the last of its investigations into head knocks during round 19.

Brisbane star Harris Andrews was concussed against Sydney on Sunday. Picture: Albert Perez / Getty Images

Brisbane has been hit with a hefty fine for breaching AFL concussion protocols by delaying a test for star defender Harris Andrews against Sydney on Sunday.

The AFL fined the Lions $40,000 after taking into account a previous $10,000 suspended fine for a breach of protocols during the 2023 AFLW Grand Final.

Brisbane’s football department soft cap will take a $20,000 hit, with another $10,000 suspended until the end of 2025.

A league statement issued late on Friday evening said the Lions’ breach was a failure to swiftly remove Andrews for a SCAT test after he suffered a head knock during the third quarter of the Swans clash.

The AFL accepted Brisbane’s explanation that Andrews was concussed in a separate incident later in the game.

Brisbane has been penalised for its slow response to the first of two head knocks Harris Andrews suffered against Sydney on Sunday. Picture: Russell Freeman / Getty Images

“Having considered Brisbane’s submissions in relation to the management of Andrews on Sunday afternoon, the AFL has determined that the club was in breach of the AFL concussion protocols and have sanctioned the club $40,000,” the statement read.

“Brisbane’s submissions described the circumstances in which the message from the ARC was missed as Brisbane’s doctors were occupied in attending to players, including Andrews, over the three-quarter time break, and in the period that followed.

While the AFL acknowledges the demands on club doctors in sometimes dealing with multiple concurrent injuries and other issues during a match, the concussion guidelines require strict adherence to protect the health and safety of our players.”

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said the Lions were “committed to working with the AFL to improve its processes”.

It comes after the league issued Carlton a reprimand and cleared Adelaide of wrongdoing over two other head knocks to respective players Harry McKay and Jordan Dawson during round 19.

The Blues and Crows were issued “please explain” letters along with Brisbane following the weekend’s matches.