Aussie Footballers Sue AFL for Concussion Damages

0:00A major-class action lawsuit over concussions in Australian football has grown significantly, now involving more than 100 former players suing the AFL and 11 clubs for alleged brain damage from repeated-head impacts. Eight new players recently joined, including North Melbourne's Ian Fairley, Carlton's Nick Stevens and Michael Richardson who played over three, 100 games for Collingwood and Essendon. The suit also added ten more clubs as defendants, such as Carlton, Freemantle, Poor Adelaide, St. Kilda, Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon, North Melbourne, and Footscray, on top of the original case against Jolong and the AFL. These ex-players say they've suffered lifelong issues like traumatic brain injury, suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy, dementia, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, all linked to on-field knocks during their careers from 1985 to early 2023. Led plaintiff Max Rook, a former Jolong defender with 135 games, claims he was concussed

1:0420-30 times and knocked out, at least twice. In court updates, a judge suggested May 31, 2027 as a possible trial date after the AFL and Jolong's push to break up the. Two case failed last year. The players seek damages for pain, lost income, medical bills, and more. Lawyers are urging AFL chief Andrew Dillon to negotiate a settlement instead of dragging things out, noting a similar US NFL case paid out over one. Point four billion dollars while the players await their day in court. I'm Cory with the story and you've been listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.