Angus Brayshaw’s concussion insurance claim rejected by AFCA

The Herald Sun can reveal the Demons’ favourite son has failed in his attempt to win a seven-figure insurance payout after repeated brain injuries ended his brilliant career in 2023.

Brayshaw, 30, is the third recent AFL retiree to miss out on an insurance payout following knock backs for former Collingwood players Nathan Murphy and Paul Seedsman this year.

It is a shattering blow for the trio who have dealt with debilitating concussion symptoms in their retirement including severe headaches, concentration problems, balance issues and memory loss.

Brayshaw was diagnosed with eight brain bleeds after his last heavy hit to the head in a smothering attempt from Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard in the 2023 elimination final.

But the independent umpire, Australian Financial Complaints Authority, has ruled Brayshaw does not meet the terms of the policy payout based on his ability to perform daily activities.

AFCA made the ruling based on his brain biology following an investigation spanning more than two years.

Worryingly, AFL players are no longer covered for concussion, traumatic head injuries and related mental health problems under the AFL Players’ Association’s total and permanent disability coverage with superannuation trustee AMP.

Specifically, any diagnosis relating to chronic traumatic encephalopathy and post-concussion syndrome are excluded under the new terms from May 1.

The AFL acknowledged degenerative brain disease CTE “is caused in part by repeated traumatic brain injuries” in its 2024 concussion community guidelines.

CTE, which causes brain tissue to die and shrinks the brain, commonly leads to severe cognitive, mood and behavioural changes, including depression, dementia and, in some cases, suicidal tendencies.

Former St Kilda great Danny Frawley, West Coast premiership star Adam Hunter, former Tiger Shane Tuck and Geelong champion Polly Farmer were all posthumously diagnosed with CTE.

The decision to remove brain trauma from Zurich’s AFL coverage follows a trend in contact sports around the world, leaving the game facing an enormous challenge to either find a new insurer or self-insure like the NFL.

The AFLPA can payout up to $600,000 per claimant under its severe injury and hardship fund but former Western Bulldogs’ first-year midfielder Aidan O’Driscoll was knocked back despite significant brain injuries.

O’Driscoll, 20, can make another claim if his condition worsens.

The AFL’s independent concussion panel advised Brayshaw to retire due to the “further deterioration of my brain as a direct result of the incident I was involved in”.

But the AFCA assessment was made on Brayshaw’s ability to function after his playing career ended.

The Herald Sun revealed last year photos of Brayshaw standing and smiling at his wedding and his emotional five-minute speech at the 2024 Brownlow Medal were used against him in his claim.

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A neurologist said in a report on Brayshaw’s condition they had “reviewed the extensive video from the best and fairest awards (Brownlow) 23 September 2024 where he seemed to perform normally from a cognitive perspective”.

“I have also seen still photographs (not video) from his wedding to Danielle (Frawley) on 30 December 2024 where he seems to be functioning normally,” the report said.

Murphy was knocked back on his claim after accepting a job at Collingwood helping assistant coach the Magpies’ VFL team.