Shaun Smith is the guest on Open Mike. Tune in to watch the full episode on Fox Footy at 8.30pm on Tuesday night (22/5).

EDIT: Clashes with the Demonland Podcast so tape Open Mike and watch it later.

Faarrr out I just watched the start of the Open Mike with Shaun Smith. 

I loved watching him play, totally committed and ultimate courage. It was a really hard watch and I turned it off, he said approx knocked out cold 10-12 times plus countless sub-concussions... he thinks but unsure.

Brain damage from playing the sport, anyone who says shirt fronts, slam tackles and duty of care are silly should watch the start of that and think about his Mum, Dad, wife and kids when they make those comments. I loved the hard stuff in the past and certainly while I was playing local footy but glad it’s gone from the game. 

Was really sad to hear about the concussion issues. I knew he had a few but that was insane. Makes you put things in perspective and see where they are coming from with eliminating the front on and sling tackle stuff from the game.

Worked with Smithy for many, many years love the bloke and thanks to him I know that your players are everything ( both past and present ) their health and welfare both during and after their playing careers is everything. 

Once you understand this - premierships become oh so much easier, players are human beings, treat them as such - the rewards you will receive you never forget for the rest of your life. Sadly, I had to go to another club to experience it - but it was magnificent. Over 5 years of hard work repaid in 100 minutes of football - the boys were awesome before and after. 

 

I am all for rules to protect players health, particular in relation to concussion. The problem I have is thatI believe the AFL are more about protecting its own liability than the players. 

Acts that are dangerous and have a high potential to cause harm (punches, elbows, and even bumps) how unpunished when cousin doesn't occur.

Unlikely accidents, like the Nik Nat tackle, are punished because of the result and the need for the AFL to be ale to say "look, it was illegal, so not our fault".

The AFL needs to:

-Punish any act which is high risk and against the rules

-Stamp out high bumps, elbows, etc, particular from front on and coning in sideways "across" the other player (ie hitting the head fron the side

-Teach and enforce players to turn their own bodies to take the contact on the hip and shoulder

-Penalise players who lead with the head or who instigate high contact through actions like ducking or shrugging

 

The occasional concussion that will occur after that will be manageable. It will rarely be repeat concussions because they will be accidental and not game or individual style.

 

5 minutes ago, deanox said:

I am all for rules to protect players health, particular in relation to concussion. The problem I have is thatI believe the AFL are more about protecting its own liability than the players. 

The AFL could care less about the individual, as you said it’s all about the liability, but if that protects players brains then great. 

 

Anyone know who laid the elbow into his neck that he talks about happening in Canberra? Hard not to feel sad for this bloke? And I hope his medical bills are well covered.

Jeezus! Just watched it on youtube. Knock out cold 12 times with 20-30 other concussions or subconcussions. Always thought Smithy had courage going for the ball, sometimes too much. That's a terrible legacy for him to put up with.

Here's the full interview:

 

Was pleased to hear him make mention of the many local footballers who have ongoing concussion issues but little to no support network.

It is one of the hidden issues...

52 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Here's the full interview:

 

I've spoken to him at Casey Fields a couple of times when he was watching his son. He's a beautiful, thoughtful man. I wish him all the best.