LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
As the new footy season kicks off in 2024, it's clear that a significant change has occurred in Australian sport.
The once-dismissed risk of concussion is now being taken seriously, leading to rule modifications and investment in cutting-edge research and technology aimed at minimizing head trauma.
No longer viewed with suspicion or contempt, the connection between head impacts and long-term brain injury is widely accepted by current and former players alike.
However, there is still much to learn about brain diseases like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and how they develop.
The AFL, which has dedicated concussion staff, has entered its fourth year of partnership with HitIQ, a manufacturer of "smart" mouthguards that transmit data about head movement during training and games.
This data allows medical professionals and coaches to monitor the impact of head trauma and concussion.
Now, players and clubs will have access to this data for the first time to evaluate contact training load.
The NRL is also getting on board, initiating its own trial with HitIQ this year.
While the aim is to have every player wear this equipment for competition-wide data, the uptake is still growing and requires influential advocates to champion the cause.