Former AFL star Troy Selwood made a profound decision to donate his brain to concussion research, a wish he articulated in November 2021, four years before his tragic death. Selwood, who played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions, endured numerous head injuries during his career, prompting his desire to contribute to scientific understanding of concussion-related conditions.
Selwood’s decision marks a significant moment in AFL history, as he is believed to be the first player to formally request brain donation for research purposes in his will. This selfless act underscores the growing concern about the long-term effects of head injuries in contact sports.
The Impact of Head Injuries in AFL
Throughout his career, Selwood sustained several heavy blows to the head, a common risk in Australian Rules Football. The sport, known for its physicality, has seen increasing scrutiny over player safety and the potential for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, and its symptoms include cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. The condition has been a focal point of research in American football and is now gaining attention in Australian sports such as AFL and rugby.
A Family and Community in Mourning
Troy Selwood’s death in February last year was a devastating blow to his family and the broader AFL community. His twin brother, Adam Selwood, also a former AFL player, described Troy as his “built-in best mate.” Tragically, Adam also died by suicide just months later, in May, in Western Australia.
The Selwood family, which includes former AFL players Joel and Scott Selwood, is well-respected across the league. The loss of the twins has sparked important conversations about mental health and the pressures faced by professional athletes.
Concussion Research and the Path Forward
Selwood’s brain donation is a critical contribution to the Australian Sports Brain Bank, an institution dedicated to understanding and mitigating the effects of sports-related head injuries. This research is vital, as highlighted by the case of West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Hunter, who was posthumously diagnosed with CTE last year.
“Hunter’s mother and stepfather, Joanne and Rod Brown, shared that he frequently expressed concerns about having CTE after enduring numerous concussions.”
The Browns’ decision to donate Hunter’s brain for research further emphasizes the importance of understanding CTE and its impact on athletes. Preliminary coronial findings suggest Hunter died from drug-related heart failure at the age of 43, illustrating the complex interplay of factors affecting former players.
Historical Context and Future Implications
CTE was first identified in boxers in the 1920s, and research has since expanded to include American football and other contact sports. In Australia, the focus has increasingly turned to AFL and rugby, where head injuries are prevalent. The Selwood brothers’ story adds a poignant chapter to this ongoing narrative.
The AFL and other sports organizations are now tasked with balancing the excitement of the game with the health and safety of their players. As research progresses, it is hoped that new protocols and treatments will emerge to protect athletes from the long-term effects of concussions.
Troy Selwood’s legacy, through his brain donation, may pave the way for significant advancements in concussion research, offering hope for future generations of athletes. The conversation around mental health and player safety continues, driven by the courage and foresight of individuals like Selwood.
