The AFL is facing a multimillion-dollar concussion lawsuit that continues to grow in size, with former players alleging their lives have been permanently altered by head knocks.
The case is led by former Geelong player Max Rooke, and has recently added eight new players, including three from the 21st century.
As reported by The Age, Margalit Injury Lawyers on Wednesday lodged a new writ in the Supreme Court of Victoria, which revealed the new names involved, which included 10 clubs and the AFL listed as defendants.
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Dylan Roberton of the Saints in action in 2018. Getty
They join over 100 players who have now come forward to join the class action lawsuit.
The newest players include three from the 21st century, including former Hawthorn and Melbourne ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick, Port Adelaide and Carlton midfielder Nick Stevens and Fremantle and St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton.
Roberton, however, only lists the Dockers as a defendant, not the Saints.
Others named include Gary Frangalas (Richmond 1986-1989), Michael Richardson (Collingwood and Essendon 1983-1986), Ian Fairley (North Melbourne 1983-1996), Rod MacPherson (Footscray 1982-1986) and Brendan Littler (St Kilda 1986).
“I feel duty bound to support and represent players who, like me, are suffering concussion-related effects as a result of their AFL careers,” Fitzpatrick said.
Nick Stevens at Carlton in 2008. Getty
The ramifications of repeated concussions has only grown in recent years, with multiple players medically retired by the AFL’s concussion panel.
West Coast champion Jeremy McGovern became the latest to do so in 2025, while Essendon’s Nik Cox similarly faced the panel, but was given the all clear to keep playing.
Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw, Collingwood pair Nathan Murphy and Josh Carmichael and teenage Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O’Driscoll were all medically retired due to concussions in 2024.
“The medical evidence is tragically clear. The players’ concussion occurred while playing Aussie rules and those concussions have gone on to cause them serious, lifelong physical and psychological harm and it has had a devastating impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones,” Margalit said.
“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. It’s heart-breaking and they need to be adequately cared for.”
Rooke claims he suffered between 20 and 30 concussions across his career.