The AFL is defending a class action being led by former Geelong star Max Rooke over head knocks.
In filed documents lodged in the Supreme Court, the league argues clubs and players are responsible for footballers health and wellbeing.
Rooke is the lead plaintiff over the case, claiming he suffered 23 ‘head knocks’ and concussions in his career.
The League says Rooke and other players involved in the case knew and accepted the risks inherent of professional contact sport, according to a report in the Herald Sun.
It says at least 30 rule changes have been made since 2000 to reduce the risk of players suffering concussions.
Almost 100 former players and the families of some players who have passed away since retiring are part of the action.
The matter will return to the Supreme Court at a later date.
