New study to highlight concussion in AFLW players

The impacts of concussion experienced by AFLW players will be put under the microscope in a new study.

In partnership with the AFL, the Victorian government will deliver the research project, informing concussion education for players and coaches to improve safety.

The study will explore the factors associated with honest reporting and disclosure of concussion symptoms post injury and how this differs between sex and gender.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the research was vital to improving prevention, treatment and management of concussion.

“There’s growing awareness of the potential long-term effects of concussion, but relatively little research has looked specifically at the experience of female athletes – we’re changing that.”

While awareness around concussion management and long-term consequences is growing, past research has focused on the experience of general football and sporting participants, without exploring gender-based discrepancies.

Community and elite adult players will be included in the new study to better understand existing policies and guidelines for concussions.

Researchers will also explore if there’s any exiting barriers preventing safe practices being adopted and whether experiences differ between genders.

“Protecting past, present and future players from risks to health and safety presented by sport-related concussion and other head traumas is a key priority for the AFL,” AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said.

“We have six people working full time in this space, have made more than 300 changes to rules and tribunal and match review guidelines and continue to drive more research and evolve our rules and approach as we learn more.”

It is expected findings from the project will be delivered in late 2025 and will inform future innovations to improve player safety.