More than 80 per cent of AFL players have high-level concerns about the long-term effects of concussion - the highest on record.
In an annual survey conducted by the AFLPA on the game on and off the field, the questions explored the impact of head knocks, the level of education and the gap between knowledge and action.
Throughout the competition, nine in every 10 players rated 8.94/10 for understanding concussion symptoms. A total of 86 per cent (111 of 129) reported their concussion.
But with the understanding comes a scary reality, as 82 per cent of players shared their high levels of concern about the impact of head knocks later in their lives—a major jump from the 2021 numbers (64 per cent).
Players are still (20 per cent) downplaying or denying the severity of their symptoms, while 80 per cent of those who did not report said it was because they didn't want to lose their spot in the team.
"This is now a cultural pressure issue, not an education issue. Players understand concussion risks, but career insecurity and competitive
pressure shape their decisions," the AFLPA Insight and Impact Report said.
"Behavioural change must address these systemic drivers, not just reinforce what players already know. Younger players, in particular, rated concussion guidelines around minimum time before returning to play as “too conservative” at higher rates than experienced players.
The AFL is set to introduce mandatory contact training limits in a bid to mitigate the risk of concussion and head trauma.
Multiple players have been medically retired due to head knocks, including premiership heroes Angus Brayshaw, Nathan Murphy and Jeremy McGovern.
The AFL has provided an additional safeguard by allowing an independent doctor in the ARC to remove a concussed player from the field.
The independent doctor has the capacity to determine and communicate the mandatory removal of a player from the ground.
