Concussion crisis
This psychedelic treatment could change the game for concussion sufferers
A new clinical trial is set to test whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy could treat the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury.
- Bridget McArthur
Latest
Mitchell backs Hawthorn’s medical team after concussion test for ‘the Wizard’
Nick Watson passed a head injury assessment on Thursday night, but critics say it took too long to take him from the ground in Launceston.
- Danny Russell
- AFL Briefing
- AFL 2026
CEO backs Lyon’s ‘safe environment’; Pies rest Pendlebury; No more head trauma cover for AFL
When asked if Ross Lyon’s comments constituted casual racism, St Kilda CEO said “you had to look at it through the lens of the person receiving the comment”. Meanwhile, AFL players will no longer be covered for career-ending head trauma in their insurance from Friday.
- Hannah Kennelly and Jon Pierik
‘We don’t want parents scared’: Concussion breakthroughs launched amid Lion’s pain
New technology is poised to revolutionise the protection of grassroots athletes, as Lions champion Harris Andrews expresses concern for a teammate.
- Nick Wright
- Opinion
- AFL 2026
Why this was one of footy’s saddest rounds
The game reminded us how hard it is. It takes a physical toll we have become inured to and a mental toll we don’t fully understand. Yet it was attended by more people than any other this year, with thrilling finishes and beautiful play.
- Michael Gleeson
The injury affecting one in seven kids that parents don’t know how to manage
Oscar Loebenstein sustained a concussion playing Australian rules football last year. Here’s why his father won’t hesitate to send him back on the field.
- Angus Thomson and Frances Howe
- Updated
- AFL 2026
Legal action against AFL grows with 10 more clubs named as defendants
Eight new players have joined the multimillion-dollar concussion class action led by former Geelong star Max Rooke against the AFL, and 10 new clubs have been named.
- Jon Pierik
- AFL Briefing
- AFL 2026
The significant step in ‘billion-dollar’ class action against the AFL, Cats
The landmark action against the AFL, led by a two-time premiership star and which now involves more than 100 players, took a big step forward on Tuesday.
- Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
Wallaby the guinea pig in Super Rugby’s new pre-game concussion protocol
As part of a new trial following the sickening Eli Katoa incident last year, Ben Donaldson missed the kick-off of a Super Rugby game after an incident in the warm-up.
- Iain Payten
After eight concussions, a Maroon retired at 30. Now new headgear offers hope to others
An eighth head knock was the last straw for one player, but a new trial of revolutionary headgear could enable others to kick on.
- Nick Wright