Danny Frawley’s widow reveals how Angus Brayshaw concussion scandal has traumatised the family after head knocks played a role in footy legend’s tragic death
- Danny Frawley’s widow makes a powerful plea about head trauma
- The Angus Brayshaw incident traumatized her family
- Anita Frawley says the conversation about concussion must continue
Danny Frawley’s widow Anita Frawley has told how the concussion scandal surrounding her future son-in-law Angus Brayshaw has traumatized her family.
It’s been four years since the St Kilda legend committed suicide by crashing his car into a tree near Ballarat, Victoria.
Frawley was diagnosed with CTE – a neurogenerative disease linked to repetitive trauma to the head – after his death when his brain was examined by the Australian Sports Brain Bank.
Last week, Anita’s daughter Danielle’s fiancé Angus Brayshaw was squashed by Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard and left unconscious at the MCG – in an incident that has divided the sport.
The sickening concussion hit close to home for Ms Frawley and prompted her to release a statement calling for the debate to focus on protecting athletes’ brains.
Anita Frawley, the widow of St Kilda legend Danny Frawley, has told how the concussion scandal surrounding her future son-in-law Angus Brayshaw has affected her
Angus Brayshaw was squashed by Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard and left unconscious
“The events of the past few days have been extremely traumatizing for my family,” she said in the statement The Australian.
“We ask that we be given privacy to deal with our ongoing trauma, especially during the week of the anniversary of Danny’s death.
“The discussions about CTE and concussions must continue and protecting athletes’ brains must be sacrosanct.
“This cannot be deviated from because we as a family do not want anyone else to go through the trauma and pain that has and continues to affect us.”
Meanwhile, Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw has revealed how his cousin’s family are coping with Angus’ concussion.
James has praised his brother Mark for the way he is coping, but admits Angus’ mum Deb is struggling.
Angus’ brother Andrew, who plays for Fremantle, also suffered a pre-season head injury in 2018, which left him with a broken jaw.
“My brother is amazing,” James said on Channel 7’s Talking Finals.
Demons star Angus Brayshaw is pictured with mum Deb and fiance Danielle (right)
James Brayshaw, Angus’ uncle, says it is difficult for parents to watch their children play
“I think he’s incredible, the way he dealt with what happened with Andrew out west and now with Angus.
‘I take my hat off to him. I’m not sure I’d be in the same situation if I handled it as well as he did.
‘But Deb took it very hard. She was at Optus Stadium when Andrew’s incident happened (in 2018), she was at the ground for the weekend.
“It’s so hard (for parents to watch their children play football) because it’s such a cruel game.
‘To sit in the stands among 90,000 people and see your son lying there for two minutes and not moving – I don’t do that… we’ve all contacted her and I hope she’s doing well and I think she’s struggles with it, to be honest. .’
The AFL Tribunal cleared Maynard of his controversial choke on Tuesday night and the defender is now free to play in the September 22 preliminary final against Port Adelaide or GWS.