Essendon premiership ruckman John Barnes is at the helm of a potential concussion action against the AFL and its clubs, echoing a similar suit in the NFL which ended in a billion-dollar settlement.
The 48-year-old, who played in the Bombers' 2000 premiership side, believes his issues with epilepsy and memory loss may be linked to head knocks incurred during his career.
News Corp Australia reported on Thursday that Barnes has agreed to be lead plaintiff in the proposed suit which involves agent Peter Jess and lawyer Greg Griffin, also the president of A-League club Adelaide United.
"It's turned my life upside down ... I'm not the same bloke I used to be," Barnes said.
"I know things are changing in my mind and I want answers."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Barnes, who also spent eight seasons with Geelong, said he had struggled with health issues since his retirement in 2001.
The AFL Players' Association on Thursday said it supported any player's right to pursue legal action but was yet to take a position on Barnes' situation.
"Medical screening relating to concussion has been made available to past players through the AFLPA since 2014," AFLPA spokesman Brett Murphy said.
"The participants and results of the medical screening remain confidential and, as such, the AFLPA is not aware whether John has taken part.
"In light of today's media reports, the AFLPA has reached out to John to invite him to meet with us."
St Kilda's Sean Dempster and Melbourne's Heritier Lumumba are among the players who have walked away from the game in recent years after struggling with head knocks.
Melbourne youngster Angus Brayshaw has meanwhile been carefully managed after suffering four concussions within 12 months.
