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 Anita Frawley has opened up about how the concussion scandal surrounding her future son-in-law Angus Brayshaw has traumatised her family.

It’s been four years since the St Kilda legend took his life by slamming his car into a tree near Ballarat, Victoria.

Frawley was diagnosed with CTE – a neurogenerative disease linked to repeated 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 flattened 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 Mrs Frawley and moved her to release a statement calling for the debate to focus on protecting the brains of athletes.

Angus Brayshaw was flattened by Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard and left unconscious 

‘The events of the past few days have been extremely traumatising for my family,’ she said in the statement released to The Australian.

‘We request that we be given privacy to deal with our ongoing trauma, especially during the week of the anniversary of Danny’s death. 

‘Discussions about CTE and concussion need to be ongoing and the protection of athletes’ brains has to be sacrosanct. 

‘There can be no diversion from this as we, as a family, do not want to see anyone else go through the trauma and pain that has and continues to effect us.’

Meanwhile, Channel 7 footy commentator James Brayshaw has revealed how his nephew’s family is coping after Angus’ concussion.

James has applauded his brother Mark for how he is coping, but admits Angus’ mum Deb is doing it tough.

Angus’ brother Andrew, who plays for Fremantle, also had a season-ending head injury in 2018 that left him with a broken jaw.

‘My brother’s amazing,’ James said on Channel 7’s Talking Finals.

Demons star Angus Brayshaw is pictured with mum Deb and fiancée Danielle (right)

James Brayshaw, uncle to Angus, says it’s hard for parents to watch their children play

‘I think he’s incredible, the way he handled what happened to Andrew over in the west and now Angus.

‘I take my hat off to him. I’m not sure if I was in the same situation I would handle it as well as he has.

‘But Deb’s done it very tough. She was at Optus Stadium when Andrew’s incident happened (in 2018), she was at the ground on the weekend.

‘It is so hard (for parents to watch their children play football), because it’s such a brutal game.

‘To sit in the stands among 90,000 people and watch your son lie and not move for two minutes – I don’t… we all reached out to her and I hope she is okay and I think she’s battling with it to be honest.’

The AFL Tribunal cleared Maynard on Tuesday night for his controversial smother and the defender is now free to play in the preliminary final on September 22 against either Port Adelaide or GWS.