League watches contact and concussion at pre-season training during dangerous injury time

At least six players were concussed at training in the opening two months of 2024, forcing one retirement. Contact remains in vogue during pre-season – but the AFL is keeping close watch.

AFL clubs remain free to train without contact restrictions as the league keeps a watchful eye on injuries during a dangerous period for concussions leading into the start of practice matches.

In the opening two months of 2024, at least six players were concussed at training, including young Western Bulldog Aiden O’Driscoll, who retired following a collision with teammate Bailey Williams last January.

So far this pre-season, West Coast young star Harley Reid and developing Melbourne tall Matthew Jefferson have suffered concussions.

Aiden O'Driscoll retired at 18 after a concussion suffered at training.

Midway through last pre-season Victorian State Coroner John Cain recommended AFL clubs slash contact at training from this current pre-season onwards in a bid to reduce the risk of head knocks, as he handed down findings into the death of Richmond player Shane Tuck.

But clubs have been free to train as they see fit this summer.

Data is collected from training at all clubs and provided to a working concussion committee that oversees head knocks across the league.

That committee, which includes representation from the AFLPA, takes in all brain injuries to look for trends but has not yet put in place any rulings over training or games.

Chad and Corey Warner had to be separated by coach Dean Cox at Sydney training last week. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Player health and safety and the reduction of concussion and head impact injuries is at the forefront of decision making at the AFL and we are currently working closely with clubs to understand the levels of contact training being undertaken throughout the year,” an AFL spokesperson said.

“The gathering of this information is still ongoing.”

January and February offer raised risk of injuries to clubs as training ramps up competitive play and match sim to get closer to games.

Melbourne had not specifically ramped up physical play after the new year but alongside Jefferson, superstar Christian Petracca copped cracked ribs earlier this month at training.

Dees skipper Max Gawn suffered a fractured larynx after a hit to the throat before Christmas.

Last year, Richmond’s Nick Vlastuin, Saints Hunter Clark and Zak Jones and North Melbourne ruck Hamish Free were all concussed at pre-season training after the new year.

Collingwood’s Josh Carmichael retired mid-2024 after being concussed in December, 2023 and Carlton’s Mitch McGovern was also concussed around that time.

Players threw themselves around at a recent Essendon training session. Picture: David Crosling

In practice matches last year, Adelaide’s Mark Keane, West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey and North Melbourne’s Jy Simpkin were all concussed.

Premiership players Nathan Murphy and Angus Brayshaw both retired on the eve of the 2024 season due to brain injuries.

Essendon held nearly 90 minutes of gameplay under normal match conditions on Friday and teams will begin proper internal matches this week, with the Western Bulldogs to play a club trial on February 2.

An intense bout of match practice on Friday saw Sydney players and brothers Chad and Corey Warner get into a scuffle, with coach Dean Cox forced to intervene.

Originally published as League watches contact and concussion at pre-season training during dangerous injury time