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The AFL is facing increasing pressure on concussion and player welfare, with eight more former players joining the growing class action led by former Geelong premiership player Max Rooke.
A new writ has been lodged in the Supreme Court of Victoria naming the AFL and multiple clubs as defendants, with claims that players have suffered permanent, life-altering injuries due to concussions sustained during their careers.
The additional plaintiffs include:
• Jack Fitzpatrick (Melbourne)
• Nick Stevens (Port Adelaide, Carlton)
• Gary Frangalas (Richmond)
• Michael Richardson (Collingwood, Essendon)
• Ian Fairley (North Melbourne)
• Rod MacPherson (Footscray)
• Dylan Roberton (Fremantle)
• Brendan Littler (St Kilda)
They join Rooke as part of the broader class action covering players from 1985 to 2023.
The claim alleges that repeated concussions have led to serious long-term physical and psychological damage, and that the AFL and clubs failed in their duty of care.
Some former players have pointed to:
• Ongoing cognitive and mental health issues
• Concerns around conditions like CTE
• A lack of adequate protections during earlier eras
A trial is currently targeted for May 2027 and could run for several months if it proceeds.
In a related move, the AFL has introduced stricter rules for 2026, including:
• Gut punches now a one-match suspension (not just a fine)
• Greater flexibility for the MRO on concussion-causing incidents
• Increased focus on avoidable physical contact
The league has made more than 30 changes in the past decade aimed at reducing concussion risk, including independent concussion spotters.
This all raises some pretty serious questions:
• Did the AFL act too late on concussion?
• Is the modern game now overcorrecting?
• Will this case end in a massive payout or settlement?
• What does this mean for the future of the sport?
A new writ has been lodged in the Supreme Court of Victoria naming the AFL and multiple clubs as defendants, with claims that players have suffered permanent, life-altering injuries due to concussions sustained during their careers.
New players named
The additional plaintiffs include:
• Jack Fitzpatrick (Melbourne)
• Nick Stevens (Port Adelaide, Carlton)
• Gary Frangalas (Richmond)
• Michael Richardson (Collingwood, Essendon)
• Ian Fairley (North Melbourne)
• Rod MacPherson (Footscray)
• Dylan Roberton (Fremantle)
• Brendan Littler (St Kilda)
They join Rooke as part of the broader class action covering players from 1985 to 2023.
What the case is about
The claim alleges that repeated concussions have led to serious long-term physical and psychological damage, and that the AFL and clubs failed in their duty of care.
Some former players have pointed to:
• Ongoing cognitive and mental health issues
• Concerns around conditions like CTE
• A lack of adequate protections during earlier eras
A trial is currently targeted for May 2027 and could run for several months if it proceeds.
At the same time… AFL cracks down on contact
In a related move, the AFL has introduced stricter rules for 2026, including:
• Gut punches now a one-match suspension (not just a fine)
• Greater flexibility for the MRO on concussion-causing incidents
• Increased focus on avoidable physical contact
The league has made more than 30 changes in the past decade aimed at reducing concussion risk, including independent concussion spotters.
Two big questions
This all raises some pretty serious questions:
• Did the AFL act too late on concussion?
• Is the modern game now overcorrecting?
• Will this case end in a massive payout or settlement?
• What does this mean for the future of the sport?
