St Kilda great Danny Frawley was suffering from the neurological disorder, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, at the time of his sudden death.
Frawley’s wife Anita said an analysis of the former Richmond coach’s brain showed signs of Stage II CTE.
The former Saints captain died in a car crash in September last year, the day after his 56th birthday.
Anita said the Victorian coroner was yet to release the official report, but wanted to speak out about it immediately to help others.
“This is an issue for the community, it is not about a particular sport or sports, we need more research to diagnose and assist people living with the disease,” she told the Herald Sun.
“As his wife for over 30 years, I strongly suspected there was more going on with Danny than straightforward depression.
“I am very grateful for the work of the Australian Sports Brain Bank in shining a light on this disease.”
Frawley is the second prominent Australian football figure to be diagnosed with CTE, a degenerative condition linked to concussions and brain trauma.
In February it was revealed legendary Geelong ruckman Graham “Polly” Farmer was suffering from Stage III CTE when he died last year following tests on tissue from his brain at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
CTE can only be diagnosed after a person’s death.
Frawley, also a leading media figure after his coaching career finished, spoke publicly about his mental health battles in years leading up to his death.
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Wes P
Roar Rookie
Maybe the time for helmets has come. These brain issues are complex. I recall Rod Ashman (was he the first to helmet?) saying it helped him.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
There have been incidents that warranted a send off if only for the benefit of the player who has lost control. Then there is something in the mateship of the players that seems to kick in and they calm down. If there was send off by the umpire it may serve no better than the players unwritten code. For sure an umpire would use it at the wrong time. By the way, mateship originated in the bush not the trenches like the defense ads say.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Yes, I guess that’s the issue that soccer style dramatic exaggeration might start taking place if cards are brought in. I guess it’s a good thing there hasn’t been anything as cynical as that 1989 GF since.
2dogs
Roar Rookie
More rules? It’s a struggle getting it right already. I don’t want to see soccer acting in AFL. ( though some teams already do it )
Micko
Roar Rookie
The AFL (or any footy league) still haven't brought in cards to dish out immediate punishment like soccer has. You can still get cases in the sport like the 1989 VFL GF, where a coach can instruct players to intentionally take out the opposition.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
It's a sad subject but we owe it to move on with some learning. The desire to hurt rises in the pressure cooker environment of winner take all pro sport. Pure sport is based on keeping your opponent in the game as you need them to get the best out of yourself. It's the underlying postulate of all sport. Sport is life training in team work and mastery of the physical. Unfortunately we have reduced it to winner and loser which is to our detriment.