Junior sport is booming across the Mornington Peninsula, and girls’ AFL has been one of the fastest-growing community competitions in recent years. Along with that growth has come more attention on concussion, with research and club-level reporting suggesting girls competing in contact and collision sports experience concussion at noticeably higher rates than their male counterparts in the same age groups.
For parents, coaches and club volunteers in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, understanding why this pattern shows up — and what practical steps can help — is far more useful than worrying in the dark. This post looks at some of the commonly discussed contributing factors and outlines sensible, evidence-informed approaches that support young athletes without overstating what any single measure can guarantee.
Why the Numbers Look Different for Junior Girls
Several factors are commonly discussed in sports medicine literature and coaching frameworks, including those used by Complete Concussions (CCMI), when explaining why girls’ community and school sport often reports higher concussion rates than boys’ in comparable age brackets.
- Neck strength and stabilisation: Neck strength tends to develop later and to a lesser degree in adolescent girls, which may influence how the head moves on impact.
- Reporting behaviour: Some research suggests girls and young women are more likely to report symptoms rather than “play through” them, which can affect how rates are recorded and compared between groups.
- Hormonal and developmental factors: Ongoing research is exploring whether hormonal cycles and developmental stage play a role in recovery timelines, though this area is still evolving.
- Skill development stage: Newer participation pathways in some girls’ competitions mean players may still be building contact-specific skills such as tackling technique and body positioning.
None of these factors are about girls being “more fragile” — they simply point to areas where targeted support can make a genuine difference.
It Is Not Just About AFL
While junior girls’ AFL has drawn particular research interest, concussion risk is relevant across community sport generally. Netball, football (soccer), basketball and cricket all carry some risk of head knocks, whether from player contact, a ball, or a fall. Clubs and families across the Mornington Peninsula benefit from applying the same careful approach regardless of the specific sport a young athlete plays.
Recognising a Possible Concussion
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following hours. Common signs include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in mood or concentration. Some young athletes may seem “just a bit off” rather than showing an obvious symptom, which is why any suspected head knock should be taken seriously and the player removed from play. If in doubt, sit them out.
What Actually Helps
There is no way to guarantee a young athlete will never be concussed, and no single intervention removes risk entirely. What structured support can do is help families, coaches and clinicians make more informed decisions before, during and after a possible head injury.
- Baseline awareness: Understanding a young athlete’s normal cognitive and physical function can provide useful context if a head injury is later suspected.
- Neck and postural strengthening: Age-appropriate strength and conditioning work, guided by a qualified practitioner, may support better load tolerance around the head and neck.
- Clear return-to-play pathways: Following a graduated, staged approach — consistent with AFL concussion guidelines — helps ensure a young athlete is not returned to contact sport before they are ready.
- Club and coach education: Coaches and team managers who understand the signs of concussion are better placed to remove a player from the field early and encourage proper assessment.
- Professional assessment: A qualified health practitioner trained in concussion management can support ongoing monitoring and inform decisions around a safe, staged return to school, training and match play.
Osteopaths trained through the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework use structured, evidence-informed protocols to support this process. If you are looking for guidance on concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula, this kind of structured assessment can form one part of a broader, individualised approach to a young athlete’s recovery.
Supporting Clubs and Families Locally
Community clubs from McCrae through to Dromana, Rosebud and Rye play an important role in setting the tone around concussion. Encouraging a “when in doubt, sit them out” culture, ensuring first aid officers and coaches have some concussion awareness training, and having a clear plan for what happens after a suspected head knock are all practical steps clubs can take without needing specialist medical training themselves.
For families wanting a deeper understanding of concussion recognition and management, attending a free concussion workshop can be a useful starting point, particularly for those new to junior contact sport or supporting a child returning to play after a previous head injury.
A Considered, Ongoing Approach
Higher reported concussion rates in junior girls’ AFL reflect a combination of biomechanical, developmental and behavioural factors rather than a single cause, and research in this area continues to evolve. What parents, coaches and clinicians can do is focus on the things within their control: education, early recognition, appropriate strengthening work, and structured, individualised assessment. Learning more about concussion assessment and management is a sensible step for any family involved in junior or community sport on the Mornington Peninsula.
Frequently asked questions
Why do junior girls’ AFL players seem to have higher concussion rates than boys?
Several factors are commonly discussed, including differences in neck strength development, symptom reporting behaviour, and where players are in their contact-sport skill development. Ongoing research continues to explore this area, and no single explanation accounts for the whole picture.
Does neck strengthening prevent concussion?
Neck and postural strengthening is thought to support better load tolerance around the head and neck, but it cannot guarantee a concussion will not occur. It forms one part of a broader approach to supporting young athletes in contact and collision sports.
What should I do if my child is suspected of having a concussion during a game?
Remove them from play immediately, even if symptoms seem mild, and avoid returning them to sport that day. Arrange assessment with a qualified health practitioner and follow a staged return-to-play approach consistent with recognised guidelines such as the AFL concussion guidelines.
Is concussion testing only relevant for AFL players?
No. While junior girls’ AFL has drawn particular research attention, concussion risk is relevant across contact and collision community sports, including netball, football (soccer), basketball and cricket.
What does concussion assessment with an osteopath involve?
Osteopaths trained through frameworks such as Complete Concussions (CCMI) use structured, evidence-informed assessment to support monitoring of symptoms and inform decisions around a gradual, individualised return to school and sport, alongside other appropriate healthcare input.
Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula
To learn more or arrange concussion testing, assessment or return-to-play support, visit our concussion testing page or book an appointment online with The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
This article is general information for Mornington Peninsula families and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If you suspect a concussion, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, and call 000 if there are emergency warning signs.