Couldn’t find a thread for Alan so have started this one.
Very sad what has happened to Alan over the years (and with his son).
This also reminds me of my dislike of one particular Hawthorn player!!
Alan Stonemam’s rejection from $54 million concussion payout fund shows 80s stars are being left behind by eligibilty critera
The 1980s was the most dangerous decade to player footy, but its stars — like former Bomber and Bulldog Alan Stoneham — are being locked out from a $54 million concussion fund because of their age.
**Jay Clark**Chief Football Writer
July 25, 2026 - 5:00AM
The 1983 hit to Alan Stoneham which left the Bomber with a broken nose and cheekbone — and lifelong concussion issues.
Former Essendon and Footscray star Alan Stoneham has been denied a $600,000 severe injury benefit because of his age, despite his serious brain injury.
The Herald Sun has confirmed Stoneham’s bid for a payout was rejected because he had retired from work and was therefore ineligible.
The AFL and AFL Players’ Association set up the new $54 million fund last year to help support players who have suffered debilitating injuries.
But stars from footy’s toughest era are missing out despite their significant brain traumas.
Alan Stoneman is collected by Robert DiPierdomenico in 1983
Alan Stoneham lies unconscious after being hit by Robert DiPierdomenico in 1983.
The former Bomber was left with lifelong consequences because of the hit.
Under AFL rules, former players must demonstrate their injuries have reduced their earning capacity by 40 per cent or more to be eligible.
But that is not possible once they have already finished work in later life due to their injuries.
Stoneham, 70, has been unable to work since 2018 and had a shunt inserted into his head in 2023 to drain fluid and ease pressure on his brain.
He was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and can’t drive a car or fly after a devastating hit from Hawthorn’s Robert DiPierdomenico in a match in 1983.
Stoneham was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken nose and cheekbone in the hit but returned to play in the third term.
Stoneham at Essendon training during the 1982 season.
Stoneham had a shunt inserted into his head in 2023. Picture: Supplied
The lifelong consequences have been devastating as the injury to his frontal lobe required surgery and has severely impacted his memory, balance, mood and cognitive function.
But footballers from the electrifying ’80s are in danger of missing out due to the decision to exclude players from making claims in later life under the criteria.
It comes amid a WorkSafe investigation into the AFL’s concussion and brain impacts management at training since 2022.
Alan Stoneham and his wife Julie at their home in Essendon. Picture: David Geraghty
The Herald Sun revealed in May former Bomber Geoff Burdett, 70, had also been knocked back because of his age, while ex-Cat and Bulldog Matthew Robbins and Dogs youngster Aiden O’Driscoll were also denied payouts.
The AFLPA will heavily campaign to increase the size and scope of the severe injury benefit fund as part of the next Collective Bargaining Agreement with the AFL.