MELBOURNE midfielder Bernie Vince has revealed he has faked the effects of a head knock in order to avoid having to undergo a concussion test.

The Dees have been struck by a series of concussions this season, with Angus Brayshaw and Heritier Lumumba spending a period of time on the sidelines due to repeat head knocks.

Speaking about the effects of concussion on Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight, Vince said he has previously pretended to be winded in order to get the all clear from his doctors.

“I have (faked it),” Vince said. “I probably shouldn’t say that on air, but I already have so there you go.”

Round 18

He later added: “If I get a headknock, I say I’m a bit winded. That generally keeps me on.”

Vince said the entire football club has changed its attitude toward head knocks following the blows to Brayshaw and Lumumba this season.

Brayshaw has missed six senior games having suffered two separate head knocks, while Lumumba has been absent for eight straight games.

“I just think it’s changed across the whole board,” Vince said.

“It was always ‘who was the toughest?’ To be able to get a big knock and come back on. But there’s been a complete change, and I think for the better, through statistics.

“I think it started in the NFL. They’ve copped some pretty big knocks, those guys, in a short amount of time.

“But care for the player comes first and I think that’s what the doctors lean towards.”