The topic of concussion is always an interesting talking point within AFL circles. With six to seven reported concussions per team each year, it is a semi-regular occurrence, and one that’s taken very seriously.

To figure out just what has happened to a player when he has received a knock to the head, there are a range of tests required.

It all starts before the season however, as players carry out what is called a ‘cogstate’ test.

On AFL Exchange, Drew Petrie explained its purpose.

PRESS PLAY above to listen to Petrie’s explanation of a concussion test.

“It’s a baseline for when you’re in a fit state. So if you do become concussed or get a knock during a game, you can do the test and compare it against your baseline.

“Before the season you’ll do the test on a computer and it’s a series of cards flicking over. They’ll ask you a question like: ‘Press Enter if you see this card twice’. Then a deck of cards will flick over and if you see a card for a second time you press enter.

“It’s testing your reaction time and your memory, which is two very important things that get affected through a knock.”

If a player does suffer a suspected concussion during a game, he is taken down to the rooms where he undertakes the test again.

The introduction of the 20-minute concussion substitute rule has allowed proper care to be taken after a knock.

“Lachie Hansen got a knock a couple of weeks ago in Hobart, and he went down like an autumn leaf.

“He was really limp when he went down so the doctor used that as a trigger. They look for signs of blurred vision and unsteadiness as indicators of a knock or possible concussion.

“Clubs are being really, really thorough in their treatment of concussion these days.”

Recently former Richmond great Matthew Richardson spoke of his fears after suffering repeated head knocks throughout his career.

The increased awareness has filtered through to the current playing group.

“No-one’s ever really followed up on head knocks (after their career). The AFL, the AFLPA and the AFL medical association is working really hard together to make sure that we follow up with any players that receive numerous head knocks.”