Players with history of concussion may trigger less salary relief for their clubs if forced to retire

The AFL is briefing clubs on how much salary cap relief they will receive if players retire due to concussion, but players with history of concussion on long-term deals may trigger less payout.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 17: Angus Brayshaw of the Demons sits on the bench during the round one Demons AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 17, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The AFL’s new concussion payout policy is expected to scale down salary-cap relief to clubs for each year remaining on medically retired players’ contracts.

The league has discussed a payout model that provides more cap relief in the initial years of the deal, but less money towards the back-end of players’ existing contracts.

Clubs have also asked whether the league would consider players’ concussion history prior to their most recent contract extension.

There is a strong view that clubs should receive significantly less salary-cap relief in the back-end of a deal if a player’s extensive concussive history was already known prior to their latest contract extension.

There is support for clubs to receive more cap relief on a retired player’s deal if they did not have any concussion history or concerns before their last agreement.

Their age is also tipped to be taken into consideration.

Clubs are desperate for clarity from the league about the new salary cap rules relating to medical retirements following a decision from gun Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw to end his career this year. Brayshaw, 28, retired with five years remaining on a deal after his latest heavy hit during the 2023 finals series, prompting Melbourne to ask the league for the bulk of his contract to fall outside the salary cap.

The Demons are trying to find out how much salary cap relief they’ll receive for Angus Brayshaw after the premiership-winning midfielder retired at the start of the season. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Collingwood is also in talks with the league on an arrangement for premiership defender Nathan Murphy, who also stepped away from the game this year with a deal until the end of next year.

The league is expected to be supportive of Melbourne’s request, however it is unclear if the Brayshaw decision will fall under the new policy, which is expected to be finalised soon.

There were changes on Brayshaw’s latest brain scan on the eve of the 2024 season, which triggered a decision to end the premiership ball-winner’s career in consultation with expert medicos.

A ruling to exclude the bulk of his contract value from the Demons’ salary cap until the deal’s expiration in 2028 could save the Demons up to $3 million, with the club again expecting to be active in this year’s exchange period.

Players have sought their own extra insurance cover for head injuries to provide them with more financial protection through a separate insurer rather than the standard AFL players’ fund.

Recently retired former Saint and Swan, Paddy McCartin, received an insurance payout after bowing out due to repeated concussions last year. His brother, Tom, will make his comeback from concussion against Geelong on Sunday at the SCG after missing the past three games following a head knock against the GWS Giants in round 9.

Originally published as Players with history of concussion may trigger less salary relief for their clubs if forced to retire