Former AFLW Collingwood Magpies player Emma Grant is suing the club over a career-ending concussion

“The matter has not previously been raised with the club but the fact that it is now before the court means it is not appropriate to comment.”

Age has previously reported that Grant has likely had eight to 10 major concussions throughout her footballing life, but it was her last – in a game sim – that saw her retire.

“I had my arms pinned and was dropped on my head and that was it,” she said Age in 2021.

“I was out for five to ten seconds but I left and actually felt good. It didn’t hit me until 48 hours later; Headache, irritability and sensitivity to light. The longer it lasted, the worse it got.

“I didn’t go to school, I couldn’t drive a car. I’m not back to 100 percent.”

At the time, Grant said the education on how women should approach competition had changed a lot from the days she played junior footy.

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“I remember playing the boys and having an egg on my head and playing on,” Grant says.

“I haven’t played for about 10 years, between playing with the boys and playing in senior women’s football, so we see the girls who come through and come along hold up so much better than the older ones.

“It’s all about education, not just in the competition and where you put your head, but also in the follow-up [after being concussed].”

Grant worked part-time as a coach for Richmond AFLW freshmen and sophomores in 2022 and is returning to work for the Tigers this year and received the 2020 AFL Coaches Association Coaching Pathway Scholarship.

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