Dual premiership coach Malcolm Blight believes helmets will become a compulsory feature of the AFL in years to come, as concussion awareness grows in the industry.
A host of former players are preparing a class action against the AFL for post-career injuries linked back to concussion during their playing days, akin to the legal battles the NFL has faced with ex-athletes for years.
Despite scientific findings discovering wearing a helmet doesn’t do a whole lot in avoiding suffering a concussion, Blight still thinks it will become common practice in the future.
“I've got no doubt somewhere down the track, the AFL executive and the commissioners of the AFL are going to have to decide about making compulsory helmets,” he told SEN Mornings.
“Helmets to be worn during games, just like other collision sports. A helmet will come.
“Remember as kids when we rode bikes, I didn't have a helmet, but I’ll tell you what now, my grandchildren wear compulsory helmets.
“Remember seatbelts? Once we had none in cars, but we have them now.
“Collision items, people are trying to protect them, and I would suggest in the next 5-10 years, I think helmets will be made compulsory.”
Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw’s young career has been defined by concussions, causing the 22-year-old to hear a helmet.
Even though he isn’t required to, the youngster has declared he will continue to wear the protective gear, even if it gives him the smallest mental edge.
“I’m still wearing the helmet,” Brayshaw told AFL.com.au.
“The science has been inconclusive, but I feel if it gives me an extra one percent, than I’ll absolutely take it.
“I’ve done more tests than I can count, and every one of them has said I’m free from brain damage, which is pretty comforting.”