By Daile Cross
A former West Coast Eagles player is suing the AFL, his old club and two doctors over injuries he suffered while playing for West Coast.
Brad Sheppard, who suffered two serious concussions which led to his early retirement in 2021 at the age of 30, alleges that he suffered losses as a result of negligence or a breach of contract by those he is suing.
Brad Sheppard of the Eagles handballs whilst being tackled by Bradley Hill and Cyril Rioli of the Hawks during the 2015 AFL Grand Final match between the Hawthorn Hawks in 2015.Credit: Quinn Rooney
In a writ lodged in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, Sheppard names doctors Gerard Taylor and Alex Strahan as defendants, along with the AFL and West Coast.
West Coast’s website describes Sheppard as “one of the best and most courageous medium-sized defenders of his era” and notes he was “desperately unlucky” to miss playing in the 2018 premiership team after tearing a hamstring.
The AFL, West Coast Eagles and Drs Taylor and Strahan have been contacted for comment.
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