More than 60 former players involved in class action launched against AFL over concussions

More than 60 former players from both AFL and AFLW, are involved in a class action launched by Victoria-based law firm, Margalit Injury Lawyers, against the AFL over concussions.

The class action is on behalf of all professional AFL players who sustained concussion-related injuries through head strikes while playing or training between 1985 and 14th March this year.

The landmark class action seeks compensation for the serious damage concussion has caused the former players. They are seeking compensation for pain and suffering, economic loss and medical expenses.

Managing Principal Michel Margalit notes "the injuries suffered by this group of former AFL players, as a direct result of the concussions sustained while playing Aussie rules, has had a devastating impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

"Some of the players who have joined this landmark class action have never been able to hold down a job after leaving the AFL.

"Their personal lives have been shattered and they live with constant physical and mental pain. It's heart-breaking and they need to be adequately cared for.''

Margalit also highlighted that women had been instrumental in the class action; either as former players or partners of injured players and shared “this culture against suing the AFL has been so wrapped up in being a tough bloke or a good bloke … when these players have had the wrong thing done by them."

She said that although the AFLW was only seven years old, female players were involved because the AFL still had not taken appropriate measures.

Margalit believes severely injured ex-players with the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other related injuries could be awarded compensation of more than $2million each, plus medical expenses.

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

Margalit Injury Lawyers, said in a statement this morning that the lead plaintiff in the case is former Geelong star Max Rooke, who has suffered "permanent, life-altering injuries … due to the negligence of the AFL".

The lodgement of the class action in court comes as the AFL pledged $25 million to fund a study into the long-term effects of concussions and head knocks on players. The league will begin recruiting participants this year for the 10-year study.

The league is also considering the introduction of an expanded financial assistance scheme for former AFL and AFLW players who suffered a serious injury with long-term consequences and are experiencing financial hardship as a result.