AFL urges advanced brian scans for concussed players

Lion Justin Clarke will consider retirement after a bad concussion on January 18.

THE AFL says it is inviting every player with a lingering concussion to seek an advanced brain scan at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, which has the largest neuroscience research team in Australia.

AFL football operations boss Mark Evans applauded Brisbane’s treatment of Justin Clarke, who will consider retirement after a bad concussion on January 18.

The league said its combination of rule changes minimising head knocks and, combined with advanced care for players, was putting the players in the best possible hands.

Evans revealed the AFL’s medical experts invited any player with a serious concussion to be have his brain scanned for damage.

That testing also gives the player a reading for comparison if he is concussed again.

The lack of a previous scan for former Brisbane Lion Matt Maguire hurt his case for compensation for a career-ending injury.

Evans said recent concussion-related retirements showed that care for players with head injuries had changed direction.

“I have no doubt the AFL’s systems and world sport in general are looking at injuries differently, particularly in relation to head injuries,’’ Evans said.

“Greater knowledge has led to clubs and players responding in a far more conservative manner.

“Whenever a player has a head knock and there is an ongoing impact, when it doesn’t clear up within the first few days we have been recommending to clubs and players they undertake a further scan, even if it just assists to be a baseline for future reference.

“It is similar to the scanning offered to the past players. We have had quite a few return surveys and some past players followed up with scans.”

The AFL submitted five studies to be considered for funding by America’s NFL — $3 million had been mooted as being available — but despite knock-backs Evans was adamant the league provided adequate finances for research.

Brisbane could have three players retire within two years from head knocks and concussions — Jonathan Brown, Matt Maguire and defender Clarke.

The Lions were shocked Maguire’s compensation claim was rejected, with the issue of concussion falling through the cracks of the AFL’s compensation schemes.

The club will take no risks with Clarke, who might retire to continue his interests in ­aerospace and flying.

The AFL’s insurer has a strict provision that rules out pre-existing injuries and even the AFL Players’ Association hardship fund criteria did not cover Maguire or former Geelong midfielder Sam Blease.