AFL RIVERINA TV – SPORTS TRAINERS

Awareness of the dangers of concussion and ramifications of head injuries continues to improve, but there is still a long way to go in getting the message across, according to trainers at two of the region’s most respected clubs.

President of the 30-year old Hume League Trainers Association, Fran Jones, was a special guest on AFL Riverina TV this week, alongside Zane Fraser, who was behind the formation of the Riverina Sports Trainers Association.

Fraser, who has been at Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong for 18 years, said dealing with concussion isn’t always easy. “When they’re injured and have concussion they don’t realise it themselves, they think they’re alright. So it’s up to the trainer to have to talk to that player, and advise that player. Sometimes it’s hard, but you have to get him off the ground if you think he’s concussed. And it’s your job to convince him.”

Osborne’ s Jones says it’s important to have across-the-board standards, and reiterated the need for continued education. “There’s a lot of information out there from a lot of the top people in this field, saying we need to take extra care with children, and getting that message across to parents can be very difficult sometimes… But when players are honest with themselves, down the track they’ll often say to you after a heavy concussion that they didn’t feel right for some weeks, some months afterwards. We just really need a lot more education, and a lot more information out there … but we’re getting there and it’s a lot better than it was.”

It was a dramatic and almost traumatic experience involving Jones’ son that prompted her to get involved as a trainer at Osborne. For that inspirational story, and more on concussion, head injuries, and thoughts on some of the most professional players in the Riverina and Hume Leagues, check out this week’s edition of AFL Riverina TV.

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