AFL Concussion Lawsuit: 10 More Clubs Sued in Class Action
The Australian Football League is facing a growing legal challenge as more former players come forward alleging long-term health consequences from concussions sustained during their careers. A multimillion-dollar class action lawsuit, initially led by former Geelong star Max Rooke, has expanded with the addition of eight new plaintiffs and ten additional clubs named as defendants.
The new writ, filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria on , alleges that the players suffered permanent, life-altering injuries as a result of concussions and that the AFL and the clubs were negligent in their duty of care to protect them. Margalit Injury Lawyers, representing the plaintiffs, has notified the concerned clubs of their inclusion in the legal action.
Among the newly named plaintiffs are Jack Fitzpatrick, who played for Melbourne from to ; Gary Frangalas (Richmond, –); Michael Richardson (Collingwood and Essendon, –); Ian Fairley (North Melbourne, –); Rod MacPherson (Footscray, –); Dylan Roberton (Fremantle, –); Brendan Littler (St Kilda, ); and Nick Stevens (Port Adelaide and Carlton, –). These individuals join Rooke as lead plaintiffs in the expanding class action.
“I feel duty bound to support and represent players who, like me, are suffering concussion-related effects as a result of their AFL careers,” Fitzpatrick stated. His words underscore the growing sense of urgency and shared experience among former players grappling with the aftermath of head injuries.
The lawsuit now involves more than 100 former players, signaling a widespread concern about the handling of concussion protocols and player safety within the AFL. Margalit Injury Lawyers managing principal Michel Margalit emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The medical evidence is tragically clear. The players’ concussion occurred while playing Aussie rules and those concussions have gone on to cause them serious, lifelong physical and psychological harm, and it has had a devastating impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”
The clubs named as defendants in the new writ, alongside the AFL, are St Kilda, Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon, North Melbourne, Footscray, Carlton, Fremantle, and Port Adelaide. The court documents allege that these clubs, along with the league, failed to adequately protect players from the risk of permanent concussion-related injuries.
This legal action builds upon the initial case launched by Rooke in against the AFL and his former club, Geelong. The addition of these new plaintiffs and clubs demonstrates the broadening scope of the allegations and the increasing number of former players seeking redress for alleged negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for the losses they claim to have suffered as a result of the AFL and clubs’ alleged negligence. The case raises critical questions about the AFL’s historical approach to concussion management and the long-term health consequences for its players. The outcome of this class action could have significant implications for the league’s future policies and practices regarding player safety.
The legal challenge arrives at a time of heightened awareness surrounding concussion protocols in contact sports globally. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other sporting organizations, including the National Football League in the United States, highlighting a growing demand for greater protection of athletes from the risks of head injuries. The AFL’s response to this lawsuit and its commitment to player welfare will be closely scrutinized by players, fans, and the wider sporting community.
The case is expected to proceed through the Victorian Supreme Court, with further hearings and legal arguments anticipated in the coming months. The outcome will likely set a precedent for future concussion-related claims within the AFL and potentially influence concussion protocols across other Australian sporting codes.