A new sports medicine hub will create tools to help athletes and clubs manage concussion injuries as the AFL grapples with the repercussions of hard knocks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened the centre at the Collingwood Football Club headquarters at Olympic Park in Melbourne on Friday, cutting a black and white ribbon with a matching scarf draped around his neck.
Monash University scientists will work out of the hub and focus on a range of sport-related disciplines.
It's hoped the concussion program will enhance screening and diagnosis.
Concussion has become a major issue for the AFL, with former players launching high-profile class actions and individual lawsuits working their way through Victorian courts.
Several deceased players have been diagnosed with severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy which is linked to head knocks, including St Kilda great Danny Frawley, Geelong legend Graham "Polly" Farmer and ex-Richmond player Shane Tuck.
It's hoped research at the hub will help develop ways to assist players to return to play, project lead Dr Stuart McDonald says.
Evidence is being collected to support the rollout of new rules to improve the management of head knocks.
“In addition to improving player safety, our goal is to help instil greater confidence in all individuals in the sport and the athlete's journey, including parents, coaches, trainers, and clinicians," Dr McDonald said.
Other projects will examine hamstring injuries, explore using virtual reality in sports medicine and improve women’s performance in sport with a focus on pelvic floor muscle training.
Mr Albanese said it was important the researchers' vital work had a new home and he hoped the findings would encourage more women and girls to participate in sport at an elite and club level.
"Helping athletes with their recovery and rehabilitation from injury but also investing in their mental health and wellbeing, which we know is so important," he said.
The opening came on the eve of the AFL Grand Final clash between the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Magpies.
Club president Jeff Browne and several AFLW players met with the prime minister.
Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells stood out as she donned a Lions vest, proudly showing her allegiance to the Queensland team during the tour of enemy heartland.
