Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted he would've signed a concussion waiver during his playing days.
Geelong was the club involved in a controversial deal between the Cats and one of their players, which would waive the player's rights and any legal risks for the club in case of future brain injury.
The secret deal involved the player, who has a history of concussion, taking all legal responsibility going into the future - effectively protecting Geelong from litigation.
Beveridge, following the 23-point loss to North Melbourne, was empathetic to any player in a similar situation.
SEE MORE: Geelong, AFL and AFLPA release statements regarding secret concussion deal
“I don't know anything about it, so it's difficult to have a view — it really is,” Beveridge said.
“I think every player wants to keep playing until their boots fall off, so it's an interesting discussion around liability and risk.
“I don't know enough about it. All I know is that when I was playing, we all had concussions. If I had to sign a waiver to keep playing, I would've. That's me personally, back in the day.
“But, I don't know what's happened … We're so careful with our players now. The way we train, and the way duty of care goes, we really look after them. I don't know enough about that situation to comment on that situation.”
Bulldogs hard-nut Tom Liberatore has suffered multiple concussions throughout his career, and the club has given him ample time to recover when suffering head knocks.
Liberatore played on Thursday night and spoke on his future.
“The main priority is to make sure I don't have any more; that's pretty much the main thing,” Liberatore told Channel Seven on Thursday.
“The main priority is my health and safety, and making sure I look after my future after footy. I'll prioritise that, and we'll go from there.“
Beveridge ensured Liberatore's health and future were the major considerations before the club allowed him to return to play.
“His future doesn't hinge on concussion, but yeah, he's had a few,” Beveridge said.
“He's one we've kept out for weeks on end to make sure he's really ready to come back and play. There's no way we'd rush a player back.
“A bit of water to go under the bridge over the next period of time, but you're always worried about players who have had a few.”
The loss to the Kangaroos has mathematically opened the door for the Bulldogs to drop out of the Wildcard Round.
Sunday's clash between Carlton and St Kilda, as well as GWS' match-up with Gold Coast this weekend, will determine if the Bulldogs lock up a finals spot.
Beveridge and his charges have the Blues and Melbourne to come.
