One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: Willy on October 30, 2013, 07:18:34 AM
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Thanks Tucky.
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Very, very sad news.
RIP Tucky, you were certainly a warrior during tougher times at our club :'( :'( :'(
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/746426/vale-shane-tuck
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Yes, terrible news
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RIP Tucky, loved the way you went about it on and off the field
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Just mentioned on SEN :(.
RIP.
Condolences to the Tuck family.
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Thanks Tucky, loved how you went about it and always put the club first.
Absolute tope bloke off the field and always had time for us and the kids.
Thoughts go out to his family
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This is absolutely horrible news. He was definitely one of my favourites and you knew he would always go in and have a dip. My most sincere and deepest condolences to the Tuck family
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Would have absolutely thrived with the crash and bash forward at all costs style of play in 2017. I loved tuck and when we were getting pumped on a regular basis I knew tuck would at least fly the flag and always go hard at it. Really sad to hear this and hope his family are getting all the love and support they need
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Far too young - such shocking news 😢
RIP fella
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RIP Tucky
Condolences to the Tuck family
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Suicide I heard.
Devastated. One of my out and out faves. Hard and nails and a really nice guy too. Gave me a great thumbs up once when I managed to tell loud enough at him at the G when I was younger.
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Anyone know what happened?
The bottom of the Richmond article has beyond blue and lifeline links and numbers etc ....
not speculating , just commenting they are there
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Apologies folks
I made a blunder when trying to merge all the posts across 3 threads for Shane Tuck into one
Please ignore the date on the very first post. Sorry if it cause any distress
WP
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that is a shock, really crap news
loved the way he went about it
RIP
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Sad news. A true warrior.
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Im really shocked and saddened by the news of Tucks passing.
It’s far too young and leaves a wife and two kids.
Devastating news. All my prayers and condolences to his family and the club.
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Loved this guy as a player. Vale and my thought go to his family.
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I’m a little gutted. I loved watching him play. Did he play a game out vs the Hawks with a cracked scapula? Sad news- RIP
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I enjoyed watchin Tucky play, farewell proud tiger :'( R.I.P you will be missed.
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Tucky.... :'(
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Gutted just gutted :gobdrop
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Crap
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Guttered. Was a great man, one of the best you could ever meet.
Thoughts are with his fam.
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Rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family. He was a great player and clubman-courageous, loyal, humble and hardworking. He will be greatly missed.
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Its taken me all night to fathom this news. Its heartbreaking that a young 38 year old bloke with 2 young kids felt this was a solution to depression. Tucky was a warrior, and he gave everything he had as a player. Our club as a power club in Australian sport should try and find a way develop a program for all our old players who are struggling with depression to give them the tools to overcome the psychological demons they are dealing with. This is a tragedy. RIP Tucky. My condolences to his family.p
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Its taken me all night to fathom this news. Its heartbreaking that a young 38 year old bloke with 2 young kids felt this was a solution to depression. Tucky was a warrior, and he gave everything he had as a player. Our club as a power club in Australian sport should try and find a way develop a program for all our old players who are struggling with depression to give them the tools to overcome the psychological demons they are dealing with. This is a tragedy. RIP Tucky. My condolences to his family.p
Great words Ramps. I totally agree, there needs to be more done for past players.
My heart is broken. :'(
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We as a club cannot sit idly by and do nothing. This has to be a line in the sand for our club and its ex players who are dealing with depression. The club needs to institute a program where any of our ex players can get access to a psychologist or social worker free of charge to help them through. This is an opportunity to do something great. Too help and to avoid another tragedy. We could even name such a program after Shane Tuck. It doesnt matter if he wasnt a superstar, he was a Tiger Warrior and one of our boys.
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We as a club cannot sit idly by and do nothing. This has to be a line in the sand for our club and its ex players who are dealing with depression. The club needs to institute a program where any of our ex players can get access to a psychologist or social worker free of charge to help them through. This is an opportunity to do something great. Too help and to avoid another tragedy. We could even name such a program after Shane Tuck. It doesnt matter if he wasnt a superstar, he was a Tiger Warrior and one of our boys.
I share your sentiments Ramps, wholeheartedly
But this isn't just a Richmond issue this is an AFL issue
The AFLPA have the very programs you are talking about as do by extension all Clubs. But as is the way in so many cases people have to either admit they need help or be prepared to take the help when it is offered
I think we have seen over the last 6-12 months in particular the issues players face when they leave the "system", how many face struggles and issues
While in the "system" their lives are so regimented and controlled. Once that is over so many seem unable to cope without that structure. it is so sad. Even more so in this case as 2 young children will grew up without a fother
It is one of the reasons I am so concerned with the AFL's obsession to cut lists under the guise of COVID. What sort of impact is it going to have?
AFL needs to be very careful and maybe (so very sadly) this might be the wake up call
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With spud and now tucky the programs in place dont seem to be working. If anything O believe our club could run this type of program better than the association. One of the problems may be that they are trying to cover a large number of people. If we focus on our own we may be able to do it better.
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Ok here we go
I’ve been a member of this forum for many many years .. this thread has hit me a lot harder than some would realise
Twice I’ve been taken to hospital in an ambulance after failed suicide attempts ...
I’m the father of two magnificent daughters who think the world of me, aged 11 and 8 . It’s easy to look at what has happened with Tucky and think, how could he ??? But I was in the position of feeling hopeless myself
It’s easy for people to say this is the fault of the AFL and the lack of support systems they have in place , but it definitely isn’t that simple coming from experience of being in the lowest of the low myself
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I'm gutted to see this happen. I don't know what to say other than to hope all who need it receive healing ...
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Ok here we go
I’ve been a member of this forum for many many years .. this thread has hit me a lot harder than some would realise
Twice I’ve been taken to hospital in an ambulance after failed suicide attempts ...
I’m the father of two magnificent daughters who think the world of me, aged 11 and 8 . It’s easy to look at what has happened with Tucky and think, how could he ??? But I was in the position of feeling hopeless myself
It’s easy for people to say this is the fault of the AFL and the lack of support systems they have in place , but it definitely isn’t that simple coming from experience of being in the lowest of the low myself
Brave of you to speak honestly about your struggles Damo.
I hope you’re in a better frame of mind now.
All the best mate. :)
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Ok here we go
I’ve been a member of this forum for many many years .. this thread has hit me a lot harder than some would realise
Twice I’ve been taken to hospital in an ambulance after failed suicide attempts ...
I’m the father of two magnificent daughters who think the world of me, aged 11 and 8 . It’s easy to look at what has happened with Tucky and think, how could he ??? But I was in the position of feeling hopeless myself
It’s easy for people to say this is the fault of the AFL and the lack of support systems they have in place , but it definitely isn’t that simple coming from experience of being in the lowest of the low myself
Courage takes many forms Damo, and this is one bloody courageous post.
Thank you.
Take care of you
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Ok here we go
I’ve been a member of this forum for many many years .. this thread has hit me a lot harder than some would realise
Twice I’ve been taken to hospital in an ambulance after failed suicide attempts ...
I’m the father of two magnificent daughters who think the world of me, aged 11 and 8 . It’s easy to look at what has happened with Tucky and think, how could he ??? But I was in the position of feeling hopeless myself
It’s easy for people to say this is the fault of the AFL and the lack of support systems they have in place , but it definitely isn’t that simple coming from experience of being in the lowest of the low myself
All the best Damo - life is a struggle for some more than others and I hope you can see through the dark clouds on tough days knowing that your family needs you more than anything.
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AFL 2020: Richmond coach says club will honour Shane Tuck after his shock death this week
Russell Gould
JULY 23, 20202:28PM
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has paid tribute to Shane Tuck as a “warrior” after the former Tiger’s shock death earlier this week.
Tuck played 63 of his 173 games under Hardwick, including a clash against Port Adelaide in 2013 when he went back on the ground with a broken scapula.
The injury eventually required surgery and put Tuck on the sidelines for eight weeks, but didn’t stop him inspiring his teammates
Hardwick said that effort was perfect evidence of Tuck’s warrior spirit.
“We were short a rotation, he actually broke his scapula (shoulder) and he went back on the ground,” Hardwick said.
“We only need a rotation because we were down two and we told him to just stay in the goalsquare.
“But as Tucky does, he was just a warrior and a competitor and I remember watching him chase outside 50 and he did a diving tackle.We’re not quite sure what he intended to do but that sums him up.
“He was a warrior and an inspiration to be around.”
Hardwick said Tuck’s passing was a shock to everyone at the club, and the premiership-winning coach spoke to his players “at length” about it.
He said the Tigers would honour Tuck ahead of Friday’s Grand Final rematch with GWS.
“I coached him for three or four years, and everyone has a Shane Tuck story,” Hardwick said.
“He was one of those players that as soon as you saw him you automatically smiled. We look forward to at some stage to celebrating his life and what a tremendous man he was.
“He’ll be with us on the weekend and we’ll be doing something for him.
“He’ll be fondly remembered at our footy club no doubt.”
If you or someone you know is in need help, call Lifeline on 131 114, visit lifeline.org.au, or call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond/afl-2020-richmond-coach-says-club-will-honour-shane-tuck-after-his-shock-death-this-week/news-story/c7e8864ed2311b29cdc97d6dd988f620
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Ellis wore the black armband tonight.... :clapping
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Shane Tuck dead: Teammates share ripping stories about AFL great
Teammates of Shane Tuck — who died this week — have shared heartwarming stories about a man who was always there for them
Tributes continue to flow for Shane Tuck as former teammates shared a collection of their favourite stories illustrating just how great a man the AFL star was.
Tuck died earlier this week aged 38, sparking an outpouring of emotion from a footy community devastated at losing one of the game’s true good guys.
The son of Hawthorn legend Michael, Tuck forged a mighty career of his own, playing 173 games for Richmond to become a Tigers icon and one of the most respected players in the league for how he performed on and off the field.
In an emotional piece published on the AFL Players website, several of Tuck’s former comrades penned some cracking tales that reveal just why he was so loved.
Dan Jackson said Tuck’s tough-as-nails exterior masked a soft side and he was “hugely empathetic to his mates, especially when he thought they may be doing it tough”.
During a rough trot in his career in 2012, when his poor form was a hot topic in the media, Jackson recalled being consoled by Tuck who put an arm around him and said: “Hey mate, don’t listen to those idiots, you’re a great player, you’ll prove them wrong.”
Tuck’s kindness didn’t end there. A year later, Jackson opened his locker and staring back at him was an article about how he’d reinvigorated his career.
“Having no idea where it came from, Tucky, who I’d shared the locker next to for 10 years appeared, once again put his hand on my shoulder, lowered his eyes (the way he did when you knew he was going to say something meaningful) and said, ‘I knew you’d prove them wrong Jacko, I thought you should leave that there as a reminder’,” Jackson wrote for AFL Players. “And off he strolled …”
He made a similar effort to encourage Tyrone Vickery. “I remember at a point I was not playing well and Tucky pulled me aside and told me, ‘Mate I was labelled a ‘list clogger’, ‘not good enough’ and a ‘waste of a spot’. Believe in yourself and don’t listen to the outside world’,” Vickery wrote.
“It stuck with me because he wasn’t naturally a super vocal leader, but he was naturally a really genuine caring person.”
There were also tales of toughness.
Nathan Foley recalled Tuck breaking his scapula (shoulder) during a match against Port Adelaide in 2013, but ignoring the pain to play with an injury that required surgery.
Less than a week later Foley was moving house and who should turn up to help but Tuck with his arm nestled in a sling. That didn’t bother him, and he just got to work.
“With his arm in a sling he started picking things up one handed and taking them into the house,” Foley wrote. “I suggested he probably shouldn’t be doing that.
“He just said, ‘It’ll be right’ and continued on helping.”
“He didn’t try to be tough; he didn’t seek praise for being tough. Tucky was just tough and he knew no different.”
Brett Deledio shared a lighter anecdote. At a pub for his Bucks party, Deledio’s blood pressure started to rise when another patron continually elbowed him in the back and wouldn’t take the hint when told he was being a pest.
Tensions escalated and as Deledio’s dad, nicknamed Block, stepped in, so too did Tuck.
“Now I don’t know if Tucky was watching or not, but personally I think he smelt something brewing and before I knew it he was standing right beside dad, as he was lecturing this other Buck, saying, ‘Right, we going Block or what?’” Deledio wrote.
“Tucky was ready to take on the whole pub if one of his mates needed him to.”
https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/shane-tuck-dead-teammates-share-ripping-stories-about-afl-great/news-story/9f1cc617488ecd8d5d5bc7008bf45999
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Our mate Tucky
By Nathan Foley, Dan Jackson, Ty Vickery, Jake King, Brett Deledio and Andrew Collins - 1 day ago
With special thanks to aflplayers.com.au, former Richmond players Nathan Foley, Dan Jackson, Brett Deledio, Ty Vickery, Jake King and Andrew Collins have put together a series of short stories as they remember their teammate, Shane Tuck, following his tragic passing this week.
Introduction written by Dan Jackson
Everyone grieves in their own way.
For many guys, it involves sitting around, sharing stories, and having a laugh over a few beers.
Unfortunately, with where the world is currently at, we aren’t able to get together to celebrate the life of our mate, Tucky.
So instead, in a small way to honour a great man, we’d like to share some personal stories about what Tucky meant to each of us.
Hopefully by reading these you’ll get some insight into one of the most unique humans you’ll likely ever come across.
Tucky was tough – he was a warrior – but he was also loyal, caring, and genuine. Tucky was our brother – he always had our backs, no matter what…
Before you read our stories, if we could ask you to do one thing to help us remember and honour our mate Tucky.
If you can think of someone in your life who may be doing it tough at the moment, please check in with them to see how they’re going. You don’t have to solve their problems – just do what Tucky did for each of us – just show them you’re there for them, because everyone needs a mate like Tucky.
TUCKY – By Nathan Foley
In round seven, 2013, in the game against Port Adelaide, Tucky fractured his scapula in the third quarter.
He bravely played out that game.
Tucky was grimacing as he ran around with his elbow tucked into his stomach to provide some stability to shield him from the pain he was feeling. We ended up winning that game.
Tucky required surgery for his fractured scapula.
Less than a week after his surgery, I was moving into a new house and had organised Tucky’s removalist business to help out.
Tucky had started this business with an old mate, who was very much in a similar mould to himself.
Much to my surprise, Tucky turned up that day to help unpack the truck.
With his arm in a sling he started picking things up one handed and taking them into the house. I suggested he probably shouldn’t be doing that -he just said, ‘It’ll be right’ and continued on helping.
Tucky was tough on and off the field.
He didn’t try to be tough; he didn’t seek praise for being tough. Tucky was just tough and he knew no different.
We will never forget you Tucky and when we all catch up for a beer, we will always have plenty of great Tucky stories.
Rest in peace mate.
TUCKY – By Dan Jackson
Tucky was a unique human.
On one side he was the toughest guy I ever met – I played on some big-bodied midfielders throughout my career, but the only person I ever feared lining up against was Shane Tuck.
Tucky was fearless and uncompromising when it came to winning the footy and if you found yourself in his way, you’d feel it – the man was made of iron.
But Tucky also had a softer side.
He was hugely empathetic to his mates, especially when he thought they may be doing it tough – perhaps because he’d had his own battles to fight throughout his journey.
One day, in 2012, when I was having a bad run of form and copping it from some of the media, on a recovery walk around the MCG parklands, Tucky, mid-conversation (about who knows what!) suddenly put his arm on my shoulder, lowered his eyes and said, “Hey mate, don’t listen to those idiots, you’re a great player, you’ll prove them wrong.” End of convo – no more said.
Until 12 months later, when one morning I opened my locker to find an article about my career turnround stuck to the inside of the door.
Having no idea where it came from, Tucky, who I’d shared the locker next to for 10 years appeared, once again put his hand on my shoulder, lowered his eyes (the way he did when you knew he was going to say something meaningful) and said,
“I knew you’d prove them wrong Jacko; I thought you should leave that there as a reminder.” And off he strolled…
Whilst I’d prefer not to have to ever face you in another one-to-one contest at training Tucky, I’d give anything to sit next to you at our lockers again. This time I’d put my arm on your shoulder to tell you that I love ya… Rest in peace Great Man – we’ll miss you.
TUCKY – By Brett Deledio
A great memory I have of Tucky was at my Bucks party up in Echuca.
We were at the Shamrock Hotel for the night and I was standing there with my Dad, Uncle Ron and Dad’s best mate and, close family friend, Shane Vick.
Talking absolute rubbish no doubt, this bloke kept elbowing me in the back, he was a Buck as well it turned out and had tipped a few too many in.
I let him know I wasn’t rapt with the treatment, but he continued on his elbowing ways when Dad stepped in and warned him that he needed to cut it out.
Now I don’t know if Tucky was watching or not, but personally I think he smelt something brewing and before I knew it he was standing right beside Dad, as he was lecturing this other Buck, saying “Right we going Block (Dad’s Nickname) or what?”
Tucky was ready to take on the whole pub if one of his mates needed him to.
He was as loyal as they come, ran straight, shot straight and was a downright funny bugger, even though he didn’t always know he was. I’ll miss the honesty, the quirkiness, but most of all I’ll just miss the bloody top bloke you were.
Rest Easy, Tucky.
TUCKY – By Tyrone Vickery
What I remember most about Tucky was just how genuine he was.
I remember at a point I was not playing well and Tucky pulled me aside and told me, ‘Mate I was labelled a “list clogger”, “not good enough” and a “waste of a spot”. Believe in yourself and don’t listen to the outside world.’
It stuck with me because he wasn’t naturally a super vocal leader, but he was naturally a really genuine caring person.
He wasn’t naturally someone to speak up, but he took the time for the conversation. He did this not for other people to see, but purely because he cared about how I was going and wanted to help.
RIP to a great man.
TUCKY – By Jake King
A story to sum up ‘Tucky’ happened around my first interstate game and my first real introduction into the world of Shane Tuck.
I remember when being told I’d be rooming with him, all the boys’ were looking at me with a strange look that said, ‘Thank God it’s not me!’
The night before the game everything seemed all normal and was running smoothly until ‘Tucky mode’ kicked in.
We were watching TV when Tucky decided it was late and that it was time for bed.
It wasn’t even 9.30pm.
So I said good night as did he, but what I didn’t realise was that meant ‘lights out’ – so he turned the TV off and that was it.
I’m not a good sleeper and it was about three hours earlier than when I would normally go to sleep, but respecting the older guy and being a rookie I did my best.
I ended up watching a movie in the hallway of the hotel, on my computer until 1am.
Eventually I went to sleep only to wake up at 3.00am to the sound of Tucky eating an apple – apparently a regular Tucky past time!
Thinking that’d be it, and that I’d be finally able to get some sleep, I was unpleasantly woken again at 6am to the sound of someone running and breathing heavily. I looked over half-asleep to see Tucky running on the spot.
Tucky, noticing I’d stirred, went over, turned the light on and asked, “Are you awake?”
“What do you reckon mate,” I said sarcastically.
He replied, “Yeah, grouse, me too brother, would you mind holding the (boxing) pads for me?”
I was so confused.
Once Tucky finished hitting the pads he put on his shoes, and just like Tucky did throughout his career, he left the room and when I looked out the window he was doing strides on the grass area in front of our hotel room.
I remember going to breakfast, after no sleep and with blood shot eyes, and as I walked in I remember the boys looking at me.
First it was silent, then they looked at each other and then they peeed themselves laughing and all together said, “Tucky!”
I was the last player to room with Tucky before he got his own room and thank God for that!
I love ya brother, you are and always will be a warrior and a brother to me.
Till we meet again, rest in peace.
TUCKY – By Andrew Collins
At the end of 2006, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards, Daniel Connors, Carl Peterson and myself were all drafted to the Richmond Football Club in the National Draft.
Daniel and I were lucky enough to be billeted with Shane and Katherine Tuck as part of our settling in process.
From the moment we lobbed at Tucky’s place, we felt as though we were part of the family.
We met Fay (Shane’s Mum) and (Shane’s Dad) Michael (Tuck) along with sister Renee at a family dinner at a pub in Abbottsford.
It was obvious from the start that the Tucks were warm, down to earth people.
When you look back on your sporting career you never forget the people that truly try to help you succeed, especially when you’re at your most vulnerable at the start of your career.
In the heat of battle, in the middle of the MCG, it’s easy enough and not uncommon to just think of yourself, but that wasn’t Tucky.
I can vividly remember Tucky saying to ‘get past him’ in games in an attempt to get me an early touch and get my confidence up. Tucky wouldn’t just say it, he’d be looking for you.
Tucky was a big brother for so many young Tigers.
Need Support? If you know someone who requires urgent assistance or support, please contact:
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https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/781556/our-mate-tucky
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Hawthorn wearing black armbands.... :clapping
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Shane Tuck funeral: Heartbroken family farewells AFL star
James Matthey
JULY 29, 20206:21AM
The heartbroken family of Shane Tuck said goodbye to the former AFL star at his funeral yesterday, overcome with emotion as they honoured the footy favourite.
Tuck, the son of Hawthorn legend Michael, was farewelled at a service in Melbourne’s southeast after being found dead aged 38 last week.
Tuck’s wife Katherine paid tribute to her husband, her voice quivering as she vowed to keep his memory alive with the couple’s two children.
“I know that you have the peace and contentedness and calm that this life didn’t afford you in the end, and that your suffering has stopped and that you were so strong,” Katherine said.
“We know that your two biggest achievements were (son) Will and (daughter) Ava and I will keep your memory living on in their lives.”
Numbers at the funeral were capped because of coronavirus but there was plenty of love in the room for a man who became one of footy’s most respected players for the toughness he showed on the field, and the kindness he showed off it.
Sister Renee said: “Shane adored his mum and dad and said to me in his final days how lucky we were to have such wonderful parents, such wonderful people as our parents.
“A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hand sat rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.”
Father Michael thanked everyone who had sent messages of support since Tuck’s shock death, and fought back tears as he addressed the congregation alongside Renee.
“I’d just like to thank all the people who have spoken highly of Shane,” Michael said.
“Shane was a very good boy, and I’ll miss him very, very much.”
https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/champions/shane-tuck-funeral-heartbroken-family-farewells-afl-star/news-story/af4be1ee93f8afc88436b5b4c0b7ed67
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‘Worst case I’ve seen’: Disturbing find after former AFL player’s sudden death
Joey Riordan
Published: 23/01/2021Updated: 23 January 2021 10:52 AM
Medical experts have revealed late Richmond AFL player Shane Tuck was suffering from an extremely severe case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) before his sudden death last year.
The condition has been found in the brain of a number of former professional athletes, including AFL greats Danny Frawley and Polly Farmer, and is caused by repeated trauma to the head.
It can only be diagnosed after death and results in issues with memory and cognitive function and in most cases depression.
“It’s the worst case (of CTE) I’ve seen so far,” neuropathologist professor Michael Buckland told The Age.
“It was actually quite shocking, the degree of disease he had.”
Buckland said it was disturbing that Tuck, who died last year at 38, had the more severe case of CTE compared to Farmer and Frawley who were both considerably older when they passed away.
“Those cases span three generations of players,” Buckland said.
“What’s disturbing is that the worst case is the most recent, and also the youngest.”
Tuck, who played 173 games for Richmond, may have also sustained further brain trauma after his AFL career by undertaking a short stint in boxing.
The son of Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck fought five times at amateur level to record an impressive 5-0 record.
However his career hit a brick wall when he made the leap to the professional circuit in 2015.
He would leave his first professional fight on a stretcher after being viciously knocked out by Lucas Miller on the undercard of Anthony Mundine’s title fight against Charles Hatley.
He spent four days in hospital and later admitted he “should never have fought that night” given he copped a heavy hit to the head while sparring just 12 days earlier.
When his boxing career reached its end in 2017, Tuck began to help out at Goodwood Saints footy club, his former team in Adelaide, going on to win a premiership in the same year.
He was estranged from his wife at the time and people within the club were reportedly aware of his personal struggles in life.
Goodwood Saints president Craig Scott spoke about Tuck’s battles last year, and suggested the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the former Richmond player.
“A couple of people within the club were aware (of his battles) and were supporting him,” Scott told the Herald Sun.
“COVID was terrible because it just isolates people so much.”
The sad revelations came after Shane’s father Michael opened up on his son’s death and explained he couldn’t admit he had a problem.
“He was a big, strong kid and he just had a few issues and he couldn’t get rid of them and that was the only way out,” Michael told the Herald Sun.
“A lot of men think they’re alright and they’re actually not, and the best help they can get is telling people actually how bad they are, and not saying, ‘I’m alright, I’m alright’.
“It was a bit like that (with Shane), he kept it all in because he was a tough, strong man. But you’ve got to show… it’s not a weakness, it’s just to express yourself with honesty and don’t try to cover up things.
“He didn’t mean anything by it, he just couldn’t admit he had a real bad problem.”
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/worst-case-ive-seen-disturbing-find-after-afl-players-sudden-death-c-2014178
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Bloody terrible.
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Tuck: I told Shane not to do ‘anything stupid’
Hawthorn champion Michael Tuck has spoken about the heartbreaking last night he spent with his son who was found to be suffering from a concussion-related brain injury.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/shane-tuck-hawthorns-afl-legend-michael-tuck-talks-about-late-sons-concussion-battle/news-story/5c2eb25e659184104775635dd7cb9234
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He must have been battling hard and suffering because on the football field he was first one you want to take to battle with.
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Shattered AFL legend whose footy star son died after battle with severe mental illness reveals the heartbreaking final night the pair spent together and the last words they shared
- Shane Tuck was suffering from a degenerative brain disease before his death
- The 38-year-old AFL star died July 2020 and his brain was donated for research
- Tuck played 173 games for Richmond between 2004 and 2013, kicking 74 goals
- He is the third AFL player diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Post-mortem revealed the worst case of CTE ever diagnosed in a VFL-AFL player
- Father Michael Tuck opens up about the last few moments he spent with his son
By ZOE ZACZEK and OLIVIA DAY
DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
18 February 2021
Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck has shared the heartbreaking last moments he shared with his footy star son before he took his own life.
AFL star Shane Tuck was suffering from a severe case of degenerative brain disease before his shock death rocked the footy world in July last year.
Michael Tuck said Shane expressed his love for his parents in his final hours, during an emotional interview on the You Cannot Be Serious podcast, the Herald Sun reported.
Tuck lived with his parents during the last 18 months of his life and continually told them 'he didn't feel like himself'.
His mother Fay said Tuck was intelligent enough to know there was something wrong with his brain.
Tuck said the family had a few documents that indicate Shane's health was declining in 2012, well before he began his boxing career in 2015.
Mr Tuck said he and his wife tried to help their son while he was alive, but said Shane had known his condition was worse than what he had shared with his parents.
'I'll be honest with you, the night before he did "the business", or the morning, or whatever it was, he came up and hugged me and Fay, and said "I love you Mum" and "I love you Dad",' he said.
Michael Tuck said he pleaded with his son not to do anything he would regret on the night before his death, just six months ago.
'I just said to him "Don't you do anything stupid". I meant that in a loving kind of way,' he said.
Mr Tuck said he and Fay checked on their son at different periods throughout the night.
'We checked on him at three o'clock in the morning … and found him about eight in the morning gone.'
Mr Tuck said he doesn't think his family will ever get over the tragic death of their talented son, saying life will always feel a little bit different.
The 38-year-old is the third AFL player to be diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), with the condition only able to be identified after death.
Tuck's brain was donated by his parents to the Australian Sports Brain Bank for research, who found the former Richmond player had Stage Three, borderline Stage Four, CTE.
The post-mortem revealed the talented sportsman had the worst case of CTE ever detected in a VFL-AFL footballer.
'It's the worst case I've seen so far,' neuropathologist professor Michael Buckland told The Age.
'It was actually quite shocking, the degree of disease he had.'
The diagnosis reportedly gave his wife Katherine, known to friends as Kat, and their two children some kind of solace.
The condition, which can cause depression and suicidal thoughts, is linked to repeated head knocks and concussions.
Tuck, who played 173 games for Richmond between 2004 and 2013 and kicked 74 goals, died after succumbing to a long battle with mental illness.
The father-of-two's death followed the passing of AFL great Danny 'Spud' Frawley who died when his car slammed into a tree near Ballarat, Victoria, on September 9, 2019.
The 56-year-old had been vocal about his battle with depression in the lead up to his death and his loved ones had noticed a change in his behaviour.
It was later found that Frawley had Stage Two CTE.
Graham 'Polly' Farmer was the first AFL player to be diagnosed with CTE in February last year.
The 84-year-old died in August 2019 after battling Alzheimer's.
'Those cases span three generations of players. What's disturbing is that the worst case is the most recent, and also the youngest,' Prof Buckland said.
At Tuck's funeral, his wife Kat said the AFL star's biggest achievements were his children, Ava and Will.
'I know you have the peace and contentedness and calm that this life did not afford you ... and that your suffering has stopped and that you were so strong,' Mrs Tuck said.
'We know that your two biggest achievements were Will and Ava, and I will keep your memory living on in their lives.'
Tuck debuted for Richmond in 2004 and retired from the game in 2013, before a boxing stint in 2015.
He is the son of former AFL record holder Michael Tuck, who was a seven-time premiership-winning player for the Hawks.
The degenerative brain disease has been known to affect boxers since the 1920s but has been found in other sports in recent years.
The first official case in another sport was an American NFL player in 2005. Other sports followed, including ice hockey, soccer and rugby union.
Researchers rely on the donation of dead athletes in their attempts to understand CTE.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9269943/Michael-Tuck-shares-moments-son-Shane-night-took-life.html
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60 Minutes story:
https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/concussion-cte-shane-tucks-sister-wanted-to-know-what-caused-her-brothers-death/cebc3ea7-964d-420c-a79f-3d4586cdce19
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60 Minutes story:
https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/concussion-cte-shane-tucks-sister-wanted-to-know-what-caused-her-brothers-death/cebc3ea7-964d-420c-a79f-3d4586cdce19
Brave family the Tuck's. Let's hope their openness and search for answers about CTE turns Shane's tragedy into a positive legacy of saving the health and lives of many future footballers.
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500 hours of Tuck footage that could save AFL lives
A crack legal team is poring over more than 500 hours of Richmond footage in preparation for the inquest into former Tiger Shane Tuck’s death.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/lawyers-to-watch-500-hours-of-footage-in-preparation-for-coronial-inquest-into-shane-tuck-death/news-story/9d94451c50be1860e47b7a9090a1432c
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Not sure how many time we have requested that people do not post unsubstantiated rumours on the forum
:banghead :banghead
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Looks like potential legal action against us. Who knows.
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Tuck’s widow wants Richmond’s ‘poor’ treatment investigated
Richmond star Shane Tuck’s widow has asked the Coroner to investigate how her husband was “so poorly and badly” treated by club doctors.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/shane-tucks-widow-wants-richmonds-poor-treatment-of-husband-investigated/news-story/25aceb6486841c122974168179f75259
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The widow of former Richmond footballer Shane Tuck has threatened to withdraw her participation in a proposed coronial inquest into the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death after the state coroner Judge John Cain indicated he would not delve deeply into how the AFL and clubs treated players who suffered concussion in the past.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/coroner-rejects-call-for-sins-of-the-past-to-be-examined-in-tuck-inquest-20211019-p59157.html
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With all due respect to Tucky and his family...is it the club's fault he took up boxing after he retired and was knocked out? :shh
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Was Tuck asking to be rested? Doubt it.
Surely some responsibility sits on the player too.
CTE is a new field of research relatively speaking. Starting to sound like she wants money. The AFL is already doing lots to prevent CTE.
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Given how well Zantuck was treated by club doctors i wouldn't be surprised if others had also received shoddy treatment
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Zantuck
Hmmm.... :whistle :shh
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Maybe Jake king too with his toe.
Bloody hell
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Gonna put it out there--soft helmets like the one worn by Caleb Daniel should become mandatory for all players effective immediately with even stricter adjudication of leading with the head and head-high contact. For me, it is the modern-day version of the mouth guard debate: it might feel strange at first, and some will bitterly resent it, but (pardon the pun) it's a no-brainer to me. It's not like footballers play with their heads and their mouths. I'm ready to put up with an awkward aesthetic until it becomes normal if it saves families this sort of irreversible pain and gutting emptiness.
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I'm open to it Broadsword.
Umps REALLY need to address players drawing high contact by lifting their arms, shrugging shoulders, dropping knees etc.
All avoidable head contact should be fined or suspended. Especially snipers like Selwood when he elbows Sam Taylor and gets away with it...
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He got his head absolutely caved in boxing on multiple occasions
Who can determine what blame lies with Richmond and what was the result of being punch drunk
HATE agreeing with Dio, but he’s spot on
His brain was deemed ok to fight in a licensed bout
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I'm open to it Broadsword.
Umps REALLY need to address players drawing high contact by lifting their arms, shrugging shoulders, dropping knees etc.
All avoidable head contact should be fined or suspended. Especially snipers like Selwood when he elbows Sam Taylor and gets away with it...
Or Dangerfield on Vlastuin, dog act
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He got his head absolutely caved in boxing on multiple occasions
Who can determine what blame lies with Richmond and what was the result of being punch drunk
HATE agreeing with Dio, but he’s spot on
His brain was deemed ok to fight in a licensed bout
didn't he win every bout with the exception of being knocked out once?
Pretty laughable trying to argue a bloke as hard as Tucky would have gotten his CTE post footy
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He got his head absolutely caved in boxing on multiple occasions
Who can determine what blame lies with Richmond and what was the result of being punch drunk
HATE agreeing with Dio, but he’s spot on
His brain was deemed ok to fight in a licensed bout
didn't he win every bout with the exception of being knocked out once?
Pretty laughable trying to argue a bloke as hard as Tucky would have gotten his CTE post footy
I don't think anyone is suggesting that him having CTE was caused solely by boxing but I don't think you can blame it solely on football either.
Surely after multiple concussions on the football field and then getting smashed in the boxing ring both have contributed?
It just seems that the boxing gets lost in the discussion here and I agree with Dio and Damo, the impact of the boxing shouldn't be dismissed and should also be looked at, considered and discussed.
And for one cannot remember Tuck ever winning a professional fight
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He got his head absolutely caved in boxing on multiple occasions
Who can determine what blame lies with Richmond and what was the result of being punch drunk
HATE agreeing with Dio, but he’s spot on
His brain was deemed ok to fight in a licensed bout
didn't he win every bout with the exception of being knocked out once?
Pretty laughable trying to argue a bloke as hard as Tucky would have gotten his CTE post footy
I think he got knocked the F out on his DEBUT fight?
Also, how many AFL concussions did he have?
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He got his head absolutely caved in boxing on multiple occasions
Who can determine what blame lies with Richmond and what was the result of being punch drunk
HATE agreeing with Dio, but he’s spot on
His brain was deemed ok to fight in a licensed bout
didn't he win every bout with the exception of being knocked out once?
Pretty laughable trying to argue a bloke as hard as Tucky would have gotten his CTE post footy
Pretty laughable to suggest boxing didn’t have an impact.
Have you seen the knockout he copped. As well as the pounding he copped in the drawn fight.
Even if you say it’s 70% footy, 30% boxing, or whatever random number someone else could come up with …. Good luck proving it either way
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Tigers defend doctors from ‘inflammatory allegations’ made in Tuck hearing
Peter Ryan
The Age
October 20, 2021 — 12.57pm
Richmond have taken exception to comments made in the Coroners Court on Tuesday, by the lawyer of Shane Tuck’s widow, about the medical treatment Tuck received in his 173-game career with the Tigers.
Chief executive Brendon Gale defended the medical care Tuck received during his 10 years as a senior player at the club between 2004-2013 after Greg Griffin, acting for Katherine Tuck, said it was a concern that the State Coroner, Judge John Cain, was intending to focus only on current and future guidelines around concussion rather than the specifics of Tuck’s treatment.
“The widow would be asking [the coronial inquest] to investigate specific examples on how her husband was able to be so poorly and badly medically treated by those doctors involved at Richmond who allowed him to continue to play with numerous concussions,” Griffin said on Tuesday at the hearing.
Richmond were angered by what they described as “inflammatory allegations” directed at their medical team.
“We feel compelled to defend the highly professional medical staff that managed Shane Tuck throughout his career in the wake of the inflammatory allegations made at a coronial investigation today,” Gale said in a club statement released on Tuesday night.
“We are appalled at the suggestion our medical staff acted in a negligent or unethical way. We stand behind those medical staff who acted to the highest professional standards, and in the best interests of Shane during his career.”
Griffin did not persuade Judge Cain to change course with the state coroner making it clear he did not consider it appropriate for the court to examine Tuck’s treatment in detail.
“I think what you are seeking to do is to invite me to apportion blame in relation to what occurred. That’s not my role, frankly,” Cain said.
“I understand the concerns that Mrs Tuck has. I understand the concern that people have about that issue ... I am not inclined to embark on an exercise that involves me apportioning blame as you are seeking there as to what Richmond Football Club should or shouldn’t have done.
“The greater utility in my role comes from ensuring to the extent I can that both for boxing and football and I guess any other contact sports that there are appropriate regimes in place to ensure that the current participants are given the greatest protection possible and information about what may or may not have happened in the past is, of course, relevant, but what is particularly relevant is what people do now.”
Richmond had legal representation at the directions hearing, as did the AFL and the AFL Players Association, with the Tigers’ lawyer Sam Stafford telling the Coroner’s Court that “my client respectfully agrees with the course chosen by your honour and the reasons outlined by your honour”.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-defend-doctors-from-inflammatory-allegations-made-in-tuck-hearing-20211020-p591jv.html
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Widow releases alarming video of Tuck’s footy head knocks
Footage of head knocks suffered by late Tiger Shane Tuck during his AFL career has been released. After poring over Shane Tuck’s 173-game career, lawyers for his widow have uncovered shocking footage of repeated head knocks suffered by the late Tiger.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/shane-tuck-cte-case-lawyers-release-more-than-seven-minutes-of-footage-of-head-knocks-suffered-by-the-late-tiger/news-story/b7d4e02dc0e36df241e9b88712fe23a2
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Paywall. Footage available anywhere?
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Paywall. Footage available anywhere?
Not from the above HeraldSun link but there's footage of some of Tuck's collisions here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=200082505499495
The one they are apparently concentrating on is the Round 22, 2010 game against Port Adelaide [Go to 1:50 min mark].
No AFL concussion rules or protocols back then. Unless completely knocked out, players were sent back onto the ground after being concussed.
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As for his boxing career .... eek!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1228295/Former-AFL-player-Shane-Tuck-brutally-knocked-boxing-debut.html
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He copped a massive hit in that bout.
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Lawyers sniffing a payday, have they poured over the footage of his football before he came to Richmond?
Unless they can prove our doctors didn't follow protocol at the time then they will be pushing uphill.
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There's no evidence that any 'specific' incident, or amount of incidents, is what causes the CTE.
For all we know it could be 0% footy and 100% boxing.
This is lawyers/wife looking for money now that he's gone and they might be an amount to go away. That's it.
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‘He wasn’t mentally unwell’: Shane Tuck’s sister reveals cause of former Tigers star’s tragic death
Fox Sports
August 25th, 2022
Former Richmond star Shane Tuck died as a result of brain disease, not poor mental health, according to his sister Renee.
The footy world was shocked in 2020 by the news of Shane’s sudden passing at the age of just 38.
The son of Hawthorn legend Michael had played 173 games for the Tigers across 10 seasons before retiring in 2013.
After his death, Shane’s brain was donated to the Brain Bank, an organisation founded by Dr Michael Buckland who is a renowned neuropathologist.
Dr Buckland researches chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease which can only be diagnosed post-mortem, by examining the build-up of a brain protein known as tau.
Buckland was taken aback by what he saw when he examined Shane’s brain.
“Shane‘s brain was the worst I’d ever seen in terms of pure CTE, and that came as a real shock,” Dr Buckland told the ABC.
“In fact, when the scientist handed me the microscope to look [at the brain], I didn‘t even need the microscope to see the accumulation of tau.
“He was a young man, and to see that level of disease was quite shocking.”
Renee said that only a few years after Shane had retired, he told her he was hearing voices, “and they weren‘t very nice.” His personality changed dramatically.
“Shane wasn‘t a mentally unwell guy, he was a go-getter,” she said.
“He didn‘t suffer anxiety and depression and he loved life, he lived it to the full, [just like] how he played his football.
“When he said there were some things going on, I was very concerned because I knew him well enough to know this is not him.”
Renee was relieved to learn of Dr Buckland’s findings.
“He wasn‘t mentally unwell, and it was a diseased brain that had been dying on him,” she said.
“It just helped us unbelievably so, because it just made so much sense and that‘s been very helpful in our healing and moving forward.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2022-shane-tuck-dead-cause-of-death-former-richmond-player-concussion-battle-mental-health-court-case-lawsuit/news-story/d66a7ddcc028d0043d2ae30ebcf9aa00
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Coronial investigation into death of ex-AFL player Shane Tuck delayed
By Tara Cosoleto
Nine
7 October 2022
A coronial investigation into the death of ex-AFL player Shane Tuck has been delayed by an independent review of work by the league's former concussion expert.
Tuck, who played 173 games for the Tigers and later turned to professional boxing, died in 2020 aged 38 after an increasingly severe battle with his mental health.
An autopsy found he had severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain condition that can only be diagnosed after death.
Fellow prominent AFL players Danny Frawley and Graham "Polly" Farmer were also diagnosed with the condition. The Victorian coroner is investigating the link between concussions from repeated head knocks and lasting brain injuries, as well as guidelines in the AFL and boxing to protect players' heads.
But the inquiry has been delayed as the court awaits the findings from an independent review into former AFL concussion adviser Associate Professor Paul McCrory.
The AFL launched the external review in March, with a group of lawyers and medical professionals assessing Prof McCrory's work, research and the advice he gave to the league. The review's report should be finalised and handed to the coroner in the coming weeks, AFL solicitor Ben Ihle KC told the Coroners Court on Friday.
It is understood the review revealed adverse findings against two people so the inquiry needed to give those parties time to respond, Mr Ihle said.
Other reports and statements from the AFL, the Richmond Football Club, Monash Health and other relevant parties have already been provided to the court.
Greg Griffin, the lawyer representing Tuck's widow, argued the court should also view game footage of the Richmond player.
But State Coroner Judge John Cain said it would not be necessary as the court was investigating the broader issue of concussion and concussion guidelines in sport.
The coroner also turned down Mr Griffin's request for the AFL to pay for his client's costs, saying it was only granted in extraordinary circumstances.
Friday's hearing was adjourned with no next date fixed.
An inquest is scheduled to run for two weeks in July next year.
https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/richmond-tigers-player-shane-tuck-death-cte-coronial-investigation-delayed/608e9829-6096-4f7d-b6f3-00234825f0f7
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Tuck lawyers call for AFL funding in coronial hearing
Jon Pierik
The Age
18 October 2022
Lawyers representing the widow of former Richmond footballer Shane Tuck have called on the AFL to fund her case in the Coroners Court of Victoria as she seeks an explanation for her husband’s death.
Greg Griffin, counsel for Tuck, said the ongoing case before state coroner John Cain had cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars”, and that was before a potential public inquest, slated for next year, had begun.
Griffin questioned why the AFL was likely to cover the legal costs of the five families involved in racism allegations against Hawthorn, but would not help Tuck in a case that could have major ramifications for the league.
A submission has been put to the AFL that for the five families involved in the Hawks’ racism case to participate in hearings on an equal footing with the accused, the league must cover all legal costs.
Tuck died by suicide in 2020, and was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain degeneration probably caused by repeated head traumas.
“I made the submission to the AFL that it should state its position, as it is doing for the Hawthorn investigation into Indigenous issues, that it would meet the legal costs of Ms Tuck. The response from senior counsel of the AFL was absolute, that there was no prospect of the AFL funding in any way Ms Tuck’s legal fees,” Griffin told The Age.
“This is after the coroner has set dates aside for what could be a 14-day hearing in the coroners court – a 14-day hearing which does not even address the issues of great concern to the widow, that being who is responsible for the death of Shane Tuck.
“Shane Tuck when he died had stage four CTE. Had he not gone and played for Richmond, he undoubtedly would be alive today.
“I think the AFL is very happy to announce its $4.5 billion broadcast deal, but is completely and utterly opposed to ... funding the cost of those who cannot afford to meet their own.
“Having said that, it is prepared to throw whatever funds it needs to at the Hawthorn inquiry, while leaving the widow of Shane Tuck, because she does not play by their rules, to meet her own costs.
“Do you think at the end of this the AFL will build a Shane Tuck concussion centre at Punt Rd? It will not because Kath Tuck dared to know who is responsible for the death of her husband.”
The AFL has been represented in court by Ben Ihle, KC. The league did not wish to comment when contacted.
The Tuck inquest has been delayed as Judge Cain awaits an independent report commissioned by the AFL into the research and medical work of its former concussion adviser Paul McCrory.
Counsel assisting Cain, Gideon Boas, said in court on October 7 that the report was expected to examine matters including the medical advice and treatment players may have received and what guidelines and protocols were in place.
Cain is also awaiting the outcomes of an international concussion conference, to be held in Amsterdam at the end of the month.
However, Cain infuriated the Tuck family and Griffin when he declared last year that he would not use the case to determine the “sins of the past”. Rather, he said his brief was to primarily focus on prevention.
Tuck played 173 games with the Tigers between 2004-13 and had a brief boxing career after he retired. The coronial inquiry is ongoing.
Griffin is also working towards a class action against the AFL for concussion and head-related trauma, and again scoffed at suggestions impacted players would settle should the AFL introduce a multi-million dollar compensation fund. Prominent lawyer Peter Gordon has been tasked by the AFL to examine how a fund would work.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/magpies-delist-trio-lawyers-for-tuck-family-call-for-afl-funding-20221018-p5bqmd.html
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Agree they should fund it. Spare change for the corporate AFL.
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AFL player Shane Tuck’s widow withdraws from inquest, citing ‘grave concerns’ about its scope
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/20/afl-player-shane-tucks-widow-withdraws-from-inquest-citing-grave-concerns-about-its-scope
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They all want money.
None seem to show interest when the scope focuses on current and future concussion management.
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Ex-AFL player Shane Tuck was hospitalised for suicide attempts in the lead-up to his death
Former Richmond player Shane Tuck began showing changes in his personality as early as 2006 before taking his own life in 2020, an inquest has heard.
Miles Proust
HeraldSun
July 20, 2023
Former AFL player Shane Tuck heard voices in his head and was hospitalised for suicide attempts in the lead-up to his death, a landmark inquest has heard.
Tuck played 173 games for Richmond before he took his own life, aged 38, after suffering a debilitating brain injury, known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is linked to repeated head knocks.
On the first day of a coronial inquest into his death on Wednesday, Counsel Assisting the Coroner Gideon Boas said Tuck began showing changes in his personality as early as 2006 – his third season playing AFL.
The Coroner’s Court heard Tuck’s widow Katherine, who withdrew from the inquest earlier this year, reported her husband would head straight home after games, go to sleep early and became “obsessive” with his health and fitness.
In 2010, Tuck began treatment for depression, anxiety and heart palpitations and disengaged with his children, Dr Boas said.
Tuck took up boxing after his AFL retirement in 2013, suffering a knockout in his first professional match that saw him hospitalised.
Months later, he attended an emergency department in Adelaide, where he and his family had moved after his AFL retirement, suffering low mood, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
But follow-up scans would clear him to return to boxing and he would have three more bouts.
In mid-2018, Ms Tuck noticed her husband’s mental state decline significantly, reporting he spoke about voices in his head telling him not to eat.
The following year, Tuck was admitted to a psychiatric unit after an overdose and while suffering auditory hallucinations.
In April 2020, Tuck was admitted under similar circumstances to Casey Hospital in Melbourne, where he was placed on a treatment order prohibiting him from leaving.
He was discharged the following month during a period of stability before he took his own life at his parents’ home in Berwick on July 20, 2020 – three years to the day on Thursday.
The inquest will examine the link between Tuck’s concussions, his CTE, and the measures taken by the AFL and boxing authorities to prevent head injury.
Dr Boas said while the incidence of CTE, which can only be definitively diagnosed after death, was not known, it was believed up to 17 per cent of people who experienced repeated concussion went on to develop the progressive brain disease.
He added an estimated 100,000 sport-related concussions occur in Australia each year, with many more not reported.
“The AFL’s responsibility of the game goes down to the community level and the protection of children,” he said.
Lawyer Ben Ihle KC, for the AFL, noted thousands of documents had been submitted to the inquest, including statements by concussion expert Robert Cantu who said the league’s concussion measures were “state of the art”.
Dr Cantu, who prepared a report for the inquest, gave evidence remotely from the United States on Wednesday night, saying the AFL had done a “commendable” job in recognising and treating concussion.
But he said there was no mention of CTE in the documents he was provided to make his report.
“There was really no focus on the effects of repetitive head trauma and that is something that I think is a missed opportunity,” he said.
Dr Cantu, who is a Medical Director of Cantu Concussion Center and a senior advisor to the NFL, said the benefits of padded headgear, as used by some AFL players, was “muddied” by conflicting research.
He said more research was needed and he would like to see the AFL find out the total number of hits individual players were taking over a season.
Dr Cantu added the act of tackling provided the greatest opportunity for reducing head injuries.
He said there had been 20 rule changes in the NFL, such as limiting full-contact training, in an effort to reduce the risk to players in recent years.
Ms Tuck, alongside former players Shaun Smith and Darren Jarman, are involved in a class action filed in the Supreme Court against the AFL and several clubs.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/exafl-player-shane-tuck-was-hospitalised-for-suicide-attempts-in-the-leadup-to-his-death/news-story/51e6f0a2f2dba5884e4a5538d8f41e9c
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US expert questions use of ‘cookie cutter’ stand-down periods at inquest into Shane Tuck’s death
Eli Green
HeraldSun
July 27, 2023
A coronial inquest into the death of former AFL player Shane Tuck has been told concussion should be managed on an individual basis, rather than applying the same approach to each case.
The inquest is looking into Tuck’s death by suicide in 2020 and whether it was linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe brain disease he suffered from, and his time playing football and competing as a boxer.
Under the microscope are the sports’ policies around headknocks and concussions and whether they protect the wellbeing of their players.
US neurosurgeon Robert Cantu told the inquest via videolink from Boston on Wednesday, speaking specifically about boxing rules, described the stand-down periods set for boxers after a fight as “cookie cutter stuff.”
Dr Cantu, the medical director of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, which its website says is “holding sports organizations accountable for concussion care” said each case should be treated individually.
“A boxer can be stopped with a concussion in a KO, where he is up on his feet in a matter of seconds, seems to be fine and then in his exam the next day is fine, and a boxer can be knocked down and be unconscious for a matter of 30 seconds or more,” he told the inquest.
“Those two injuries are not the same and yet the stand-down period is theoretically the same.
“All I’m simply saying is these are kind of rough guidelines.
“I think the more important issue is the severity of the injury and how the individual is doing, and that should really guide how long someone stays out, rather than suggest some arbitrary amount of time.”
He later said he accepted the guidelines were the minimum times scheduled for recovery and that longer periods of time out could be enforced.
Dr Cantu said he had a “major concern” about whether Australian boxing authorities has put enough consideration CTE and the long term effects of headknocks in their policies.
“There is an injury that can happen for repetitive chronic traumatic brain injuries, something that doesn’t show up usually at the time of a given match, but shows up years later. I don’t find that being very much addressed,” he said.
Tuck sustained several head knocks during his career which included playing 173 games for Richmond and five professional boxing matches.
Tuck suffered a number of concussions in both sports, including being knocked out in the fourth round of his first match and was carried out on a stretcher.
An autopsy revealed the 38-year-old had “severe” CTE, which can only be diagnosed after death, and can result in behaviour changes including depression and paranoia.
Tuck was diagnosed with depression in 2010 and within eight years reported hearing voices telling him to take his own life, leading to him being admitted to psychiatric units from 2018-2020 after several overdoses.
Symptoms of CTE also include poor attention, concentration and memory and is linked to a lack of insight, poor judgment and impulsive behaviour.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/us-expert-questions-use-of-cookie-cutter-standdown-periods-at-inquest-into-shane-tucks-death/news-story/d217d4f1343913ada2e391f4738c1dd9
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Tuck inquest hears AFL considering mandatory helmets for players
The AFL’s chief medical officer has revealed he is considering introducing mandatory helmets and special high-tech mouthguards, as the league grapples with how best to reduce the risks of concussion and brain trauma at junior, community and AFL levels.
Dr Michael Makdissi, speaking for almost three hours under oath at the inquest of former AFL footballer Shane Tuck at the Victorian Coroners Court on Friday, said limiting the number of tackles at training was also a strong consideration.
Full article: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tuck-inquest-hears-afl-considering-mandatory-helmets-for-players-20230728-p5drx9.html
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What a joke , it's been proven helmets actually cause more concussions. So much for science. But hey the left world have their own science , fake science. This has been proven over the last few years.
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Better off making players sign a waiver.
It's a risk, you're paid accordingly, not allowed to sue later.
No reason the AFL can't provide some support afterwards but not giant payouts.
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What a joke , it's been proven helmets actually cause more concussions. So much for science. But hey the left world have their own science , fake science. This has been proven over the last few years.
All that modern "lefty" science and technology - computers, vaccines, internet, space travel, etc. Things were so much better back in the dark ages when we just made things up based on "belief" and mysticism lol.
Anyway, while helmets don't prevent concussions (they are used to protect against cuts and skull fractures), they don't cause more concussions either (unless you're arguing that it will make players more reckless and go head-first into every contest thinking a helmet makes them bulletproof).
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But hey the left world have their own science , fake science. This has been proven over the last few years.
This is impeccable science. :lol
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So if we have helmets, will there still be head high free kicks??
They say helmets do not prevent concussions.
Shane was a ripper, very sad.
However embarking on a boxing career probably not his best choice esp regarding concussion
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‘His brain was just toasted’: It was only after Shane’s death that his family learnt the truth
Angus Thomson
Sydney Morning Herald
November 8, 2023
Children should be limited to low- or no-contact sport and a comprehensive history of brain injuries included on patient medical records, the peak body of Australian pathologists says as it urges the federal government to adopt recommendations of a Senate inquiry into sports-related brain trauma.
Alarmed by the damage they have discovered in the brains of former athletes, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia will on Wednesday release a position statement on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its link to repetitive head trauma and concussion.
The neurodegenerative disease can only be diagnosed after death through an autopsy, and has been found in the brains of former sportspeople including AFL great Graham “Polly” Farmer, NRL figure Paul Green and AFLW player Heather Anderson.
Australian Sports Brain Bank founding director Associate Professor Michael Buckland said this was the first time a medical college in Australia has officially outlined a position on the causal link between repeated head trauma and CTE. It follows a Senate inquiry that recommended the government play a stronger role in monitoring and regulating head trauma in sport.
“We’ve got more amateur CTE cases than professional [sportspeople] now, and we’ve had the youngest case of someone who was 20,” he said. “We have no idea how big the problem is. We haven’t yet touched the bottom.”
After former AFL player Shane Tuck died by suicide in 2020, Buckland examined his brain and discovered the most severe case he had seen since the launch of the brain bank in 2018.
His sister, Renee Tuck, said her 38-year-old brother’s brain had deteriorated to the point where he was hearing constant voices in his head that made every day a living hell.
“Shane was the biggest, strongest, mentally strong bloke that I’ve ever known, and he ended up killing himself because his brain was just toasted,” she said. “I don’t want anyone to ever have to go through that.”
Read the full article here: https://www.smh.com.au/national/his-brain-was-just-toasted-it-was-only-after-shane-s-death-that-his-family-learnt-the-truth-20231103-p5ehbh.html
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What a joke , it's been proven helmets actually cause more concussions. So much for science. But hey the left world have their own science , fake science. This has been proven over the last few years.
:lol
This is a good parody account.
Davey?...
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Is there evidence that suggests restricting contact for children prevents head traumas and has beneficial long-term effects.
I'd have thought learning to tackle/brace as a child would be better than turning 15 and being told you can start tackling when some kids are half way through puberty and some hardly started.
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What a joke , it's been proven helmets actually cause more concussions. So much for science. But hey the left world have their own science , fake science. This has been proven over the last few years.
:lol
This is a good parody account.
Davey?...
Nope. Not a parody either, the dude is real unfortunately
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AFL to review Coroner's findings into Shane Tuck's death
The Victorian State Coroner has released his findings after his investigation into the death of former Richmond star Shane Tuck
By Staff writers, with AAP
afl.com.au
11 December 2023
THE AFL will formally review the recommendations of the Victorian State Coroner after his investigation into the death of former Richmond player Shane Tuck.
Tuck, the son of Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck, died in 2020 at the age of 38 after a 173-game career for the Tigers from 2004 to 2013.
In handing down his findings on Monday, State Coroner Judge John Cain said it was accepted Tuck received repeated head knocks in his football career and while competing as a professional boxer.
Tuck was diagnosed with a severe form of the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death.
Judge Cain did not make findings into the nature of Tuck's death, but instead looked at preventative measures in sport to reduce concussion.
Among these was a recommendation for the AFL to limit the number of contact training sessions, employ independent medical practitioners to attend every AFL and AFLW match and continue to assess other ways to measure and limit concussion from head knocks, such as the use of mouthguard accelerometers and protective helmets.
Along with his recommendations, Judge Cain commended the AFL for its work in recent years to implement concussion protocols and alter the rules of the game.
In response, the AFL pointed to the more than 30 rule changes it has implemented over the past two decades that have been designed to protect the head and said it would formally respond to Judge Cain's recommendations within three months, as required by the Coroners Act.
The League also expressed its condolences to the Tuck family.
"The AFL continues to prioritise the health and safety of our players at all levels of the game and the AFL will now take time to formally review the recommendations of Judge Cain that were largely focussed on reducing repetitive head trauma in our game," the League said in a statement.
"(The AFL) annually updates the AFL and AFLW concussion guidelines to improve the response to head knocks in our game in accordance with current and evolving science. The AFL is constantly investigating further changes and initiatives that involve technology and equipment trials and exploration of concepts that are directed towards protecting the health and safety of our athletes.
"The AFL's concussion protocols have been developed on the advice of qualified medical, concussion and scientific experts. We will continue to base the continued evolution of these protocols and ultimately the continued health and safety of our players on the advice and guidance of qualified medical professionals and scientific experts.
"The AFL reiterates its sympathies to Shane's sister Renee Tuck who gave evidence at the Coronial Investigation hearings and the Tuck family more generally on Shane's untimely passing three years ago and their immense contribution to research into the concussion and head trauma in Australian Football."
In his findings, Judge Cain recommended the AFL limit the number of contact training sessions players participate in before, during and after the regular season from 2025.
The sporting body should also employ independent medical practitioners to attend every AFL and AFLW match to help club doctors assess players after head knocks. They should jointly decide whether the player should be removed from the game but if there's a disagreement, the independent advice wins out, Judge Cain said.
The AFL should also develop and implement baseline neurological testing for each player to do at the start of each season, the judge said.
The data should be linked to the player's clinical profile to monitor for any changes and be used more widely by the league for ongoing medical research.
Judge Cain said the AFL should continue to assess the use of mouthguard accelerometers and protective helmets as other ways to measure and limit concussion from head knocks.
The League also acknowledged Judge Cain had "commended the AFL for its commitment to supporting research in this important area of player wellbeing, health and safety including with its Brain Health Initiative longitudinal research program which will aim to commence recruiting participants in 2024".
"Judge Cain also commended the AFL for the work that it has done in developing and/or implementing the CSX App, Hawkeye and the use of concussion spotters in the ARC for AFL and AFLW games.
"Judge Cain's findings also referred to the report and evidence of Dr Robert Cantu, Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research at the Dr Robert C. Cantu Concussion Centre who stated in his report that the approach to concussion by the AFL is not only a reasonable and proportionate framework for the protection of participants in training and playing of Australian Football but is state of the art."
The AFL Players Association said it would look to discuss Judge Cain's recommendations with the AFL in more detail.
"The AFLPA has consistently advocated for improvements around reducing and managing head knocks and concussion in our members, and we look forward to discussing the Coroner's recommendations in more detail with the AFL," AFLPA general manager of legal Megan Comerford said.
"It remains clear that more work needs to be done to protect, care for and support current and past players who have, and will continue to, put their bodies on the line so the industry can prosper."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1071449/afl-responds-to-victorian-state-coroner-judge-john-cains-findings-into-shane-tucks-death
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AFL statement on Victorian State Coroner's findings into Shane Tuck's death
The AFL acknowledges His Honour Judge John Cain’s findings and recommendations in the Victorian Coroner’s Court in his investigation of the death of former Richmond footballer, Shane Tuck.
Amongst other matters, in his Findings Judge Cain commended the AFL for its commitment to supporting research in this important area of player wellbeing, health and safety including with its Brain Health Initiative longitudinal research program which will aim to commence recruiting participants in 2024. Judge Cain also commended the AFL for the work that it has done in developing and/or implementing the CSX App, Hawkeye and the use of concussion spotters in the ARC for AFL and AFLW games.
Judge Cain’s findings also referred to the report and evidence of Dr Robert Cantu, Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research at the Dr Robert C. Cantu Concussion Centre who stated in his report that the approach to concussion by the AFL is not only a reasonable and proportionate framework for the protection of participants in training and playing of Australian Football but is state of the art.
The AFL continues to prioritise the health and safety of our players at all levels of the game and the AFL will now take time to formally review the recommendations of Judge Cain that were largely focussed on reducing repetitive head trauma in our game, including his recommendations around the consideration of limitations to contact training, the engagement of independent doctors at all AFL and AFLW games to assess and manage suspected concussions (noting that there are already independent doctors at all AFLW matches), extending the use of mouthguard accelerometer technology (HitIQ) and increased and improved education for players at all levels with more input from the AFLPA.
The AFL has already made more than 30 changes to on-field rules and match review and tribunal guidelines over the past two decades to further protect the head and annually updates the AFL and AFLW concussion guidelines to improve the response to head knocks in our game in accordance with current and evolving science. The AFL is constantly investigating further changes and initiatives that involve technology and equipment trials and exploration of concepts that are directed towards protecting the health and safety of our athletes.
The AFL’s concussion protocols have been developed on the advice of qualified medical, concussion and scientific experts. We will continue to base the continued evolution of these protocols and ultimately the continued health and safety of our players on the advice and guidance of qualified medical professionals and scientific experts. The AFL has a team of people specifically working on initiatives to improve brain health in our sport and we will continue to strengthen protocols and the education of clubs and players as to why this issue is taken so seriously.
The AFL welcomes the input of the State Coroner in our ongoing process of the consideration of potential improvements in our strategic approach to the prevention and management of concussion and other head trauma in Australian Football. Pursuant to the Coroners Act 2008 (Vic) the AFL must formally respond to the Judge Cain’s recommendations directed to it within 3 months.
The AFL reiterates its sympathies to Shane’s sister Renee Tuck who gave evidence at the Coronial Investigation hearings and the Tuck family more generally on Shane’s untimely passing three years ago and their immense contribution to research into the concussion and head trauma in Australian Football.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1071424/afl-statement-on-victorian-state-coroners-findings-into-shane-tuck