More than 500 AFL players will soon lose insurance coverage for brain injuries through their superannuation fund, as Zurich Insurance eliminates claims for concussion and head trauma starting May 1.
Coverage Cuts Take Effect
AFL players received notification this week that the AFL Players Association super fund, managed by trustee AMP, will no longer provide total and permanent disability (TPD) benefits for claims related to traumatic head injuries, concussion, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), post-concussion syndrome, or other neurological impairments from brain injuries after May 1.
Current entitlements include up to $1.1 million in combined death and TPD cover. From May 1, TPD coverage drops by $650,000, and death cover decreases by $350,000. Former players can access up to $600,000 lump sums from a $54 million injury and support fund, though this does not replace WorkCover.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Zurich Insurance, the sole bidder in a recent tender process, proposed the revised terms after consultations with AMP and the AFL Players Association. A Zurich spokesperson explained, “There remains continued widespread uncertainty about the long-term health impacts and risks associated with concussion events from playing high-contact sports, including the subsequent development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).”
The spokesperson added that AMP and the AFLPA selected Zurich’s proposal as the most suitable among market options. Zurich also noted the AFL and AFLPA’s Severe Injury Benefit, established in May 2025, to aid players with significant cognitive or bodily impairments from football.
Player Impacts and High-Profile Cases
Several former AFL players, including Richmond’s Shane Tuck, St Kilda’s Danny Frawley, West Coast Eagles’ Adam Hunter, and AFLW’s Heather Anderson, received post-mortem CTE diagnoses. Melbourne Demons premiership player Angus Brayshaw, who retired after 167 games due to concussions, currently pursues a payout from Zurich Insurance.
Calls for Greater Support
Class-action lawyer Michel Margalit, representing 100 footballers in a multimillion-dollar suit against the AFL, warns that financial support for injured players is eroding. “The support system intended to support injured footballers continues to erode and fail those left with life-altering concussion-related injuries,” Margalit stated.
Margalit emphasized, “Footy is big business. It’s ‘work.’ The AFLPA Hardship Fund, while improved, is a far cry from a statutory compensation scheme and the funding available is wholly inadequate and inferior to WorkCover.”
She urged state and federal governments to act on the 2023 Senate Inquiry recommendation to remove professional sportspeople’s exclusion from workers’ compensation. “Action must be taken to protect our beloved footy players. It might be our pastime, but it’s their occupation,” Margalit said.
The AFL has been approached for comment.
