More than 100 former AFL players have now joined a multimillion-dollar concussion class action against the league, with eight additional plaintiffs and 10 more clubs added to the lawsuit. The new writ, lodged by Margalit Injury Lawyers in the Supreme Court of Victoria, names Carlton, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon, North Melbourne and Footscray as defendants, alongside the AFL and Geelong.
The latest plaintiffs include North Melbourne premiership player Ian Fairley, former Carlton vice-captain Nick Stevens, and Michael Richardson, who played 302 games for Collingwood and Essendon. The lead plaintiff remains dual premiership Geelong defender Max Rooke, who claims he sustained life-altering injuries from between 20 and 30 concussions during his career, including at least two occasions where he was knocked unconscious.
Lawyer Michel Margalit said the former players are suffering from neurological impairments such as suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), traumatic brain injury, and dementia, as well as psychological consequences including depression and suicidal ideation. “They dedicated their lives to the game. Years later, their footy career is a distant memory, and they find themselves injured and without the means to care for those injuries,” Margalit said in a statement.
The class action, launched three years ago, covers the period from January 1985 to March 14, 2023. The AFL and Geelong previously attempted to have the case declassed, but that bid was rejected. Justice Andrew Keogh has suggested May 31, 2027, as a possible trial date, with confirmation expected next month. The AFL declined to comment as the matter is before the courts.
The former players are seeking damages for pain and suffering, economic loss, medical expenses, and legal costs. Margalit called on AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon to negotiate a fair financial outcome, stating, “Financial compensation can never fix the damage that concussion has caused, but it will be an important step forward in recognition of the damage caused to them.” The AFL reported an underlying operating surplus of $67.9 million in 2025.
